The+Russian+Revolution

This page focuses on what students most need to know about this topic in preparation for the IB exam.

1. IB Definition of Topic
For examinations 2010-16:

"Imperial Russia, revolutions, emergence of Soviet State 1853-1924"
This section deals with the decline of imperial power in Tsarist Russia and the emergence of the Soviet State. It requires examination and consideration of the social, economic and political factors that inaugurated and accelerated the process of decline. Attempts at domestic reform and the extent to which these hastened or hindered decline should be studied, together with the impact of war and foreign entanglements.


 * Alexander II (1855- 81): emancipation of the serfs; military, legal, educational, local government reforms; later reaction
 * Policies of Alexander III (1881- 94) and Nicholas II (1895-1917): backwardness and attempts at modernization; nature of tsardom; growth of opposition movements
 * Significance of the Russo-Japanese War; 1905 Revolution; Stolypin and the Duma; the impact of the First World War (1914-18) on Russia
 * 1917 Revolutions: February/March Revolution; Provisional Government and Dual Power (Soviets); October/November Bolshevik Revolution; Lenin and Trotsky
 * Lenin’s Russia (1917-24): consolidation of new Soviet state; Civil War; War Communism; NEP; terror and coercion; foreign relations

For first examinations in 2017:

Imperial Russia, revolution and the establishment of the Soviet Union (1855–1924)
This section deals with modernization and conservatism in tsarist Russia and the eventual collapse of the tsarist autocracy, as well as the revolutions of 1917, the Civil War and the rule of Lenin. There is a focus on the concepts of change and continuity, with examination and consideration of the social, economic and political factors that brought about change.
 * Alexander II (1855–1881): the extent of reform
 * Policies of Alexander III (1881–1894) and Nicholas II (1894–1917): economic modernization, tsarist repression and the growth of opposition
 * Causes of the 1905 Revolution (including social and economic conditions and the significance of the Russo-Japanese War); consequences of the 1905 Revolution (including Stolypin and the Dumas)
 * The impact of the First World War and the final crisis of autocracy in February/March 1917
 * 1917 Revolutions: February/March Revolution; provisional government and dual power (Soviets); October/November Revolution; Bolshevik Revolution; Lenin and Trotsky
 * Lenin’s Russia/Soviet Union; consolidation of new Soviet state; Civil War; War Communism; New Economic Policy (NEP); terror and coercion; foreign relations

Alexander II and Tsarist Russia

 * A major focus is on why Alexander II decided that, despite his own and Russia's conservativism, he needed to make major reforms. Why reform at all, and why reforms in so many areas?
 * The other major focus is on the success or failure of these efforts: economically, socially, and politically.

The Causes and Course of the Russian Revolution

 * The major focus of questions in this area is on the success or failure of the three revolutions attempted in this period: the 1905, February (1917) and October (1917) revolutions.
 * Students are expected to apply, and be familiar with, two perspectives, the Tsar's, and reformist Liberals' (in 1917, the Liberals form the Provisional Government)
 * A perspective mentioned only once is that of the Russian people's, but any analysis should address the needs/demands/expectations of the major social groups: peasants, workers, soldiers, and liberals (and also possibly capitalists, and the Church).
 * A final point of focus is the role played by war in precipitating crisis and failure.

The Early Soviet State

 * The major focus here is on explaining the success of Lenin and his fellow Bolsheviks in managing the political and economic challenges faced by his regime.
 * Another focus is a comparison of the roles of Lenin and Trotsky.
 * Another implicit issue is the role that the Bolshevik party played in the early years of the Soviet Union.

3. Essay Questions from Past IB Exams, Organized Chronologically by Exam Date
2001-N

QUESTION 12 How far did the achievements of Alexander II, between 1855 and 1881, justify his claim to be the “Tsar Liberator”?

Although this was a popular question, and one that has appeared in a similar form in previous exam papers, too many candidates simply listed the reforms of Alexander but made no connection between these reforms and the quotation in the question. In general the answers here were disappointing.

QUESTION 15 Why did the Reds win the Russian Civil War (1918 to 1921)?

Somewhat surprisingly, but perhaps due to the fact that the Russian Revolution is a prescribed subject, this was the most popular question answered in November 2001. There were some superb answers here that showed a variety of explanations as to why the Reds were victorious, and these were supported with appropriate critical commentary. Even the weakest candidates were able to construct a satisfactory explanation as to why the Reds won.

2002-M

QUESTION 8 To what extent did Alexander II succeed in reforming Russian life and institutions?

This was a very popular question and was generally well answered, with some solid assessment against ‘life’ and ‘institutions.’ However, knowledge of the reforms lacked precision in most answers and there were many bland descriptive surveys of Alexander’s rule. While increasing opposition to Alexander was well handled, many candidates took this as the focus of the question and became sidetracked.

QUESTION 14 Analyze the causes and results until the end of 1917, of the first 1917 revolution in Russia.

This was the most popular question on the paper and, not surprisingly, produced a wide range of answers. There were some good, analytical answers, showing a sound level of knowledge. Many responses, however, were unbalanced, focusing mainly on the causes, and there was very little about the post-February period. Some answers focused very much on the early twentieth century background, and relatively little on the First World War period. There was some confusion and gaps in knowledge. For example, candidates confused Witte and Stolypin. Some of the analysis of weaker candidates was simplistic: some believed that Lenin immediately carried all before him on his return to Russia, some paint a picture of Nicholas II as the devil incarnate. Some are confused about which parties were in the Provisional Government. However, there were some detailed responses

QUESTION 16 ‘Lenin succeeded in convincing the Russian people that the path to happiness lay through lawlessness, arbitrary rule and violence.’ To what extent does Lenin’s position in, and rule of, the USSR between 1918 and his death in 1924 support this statement?

This was another popular question, perhaps because of the link to Paper 1. There were several knowledgeable answers which were reasonable wide-ranging, although also some weaker answers which showed insecure knowledge of features such as War Communism and NEP. In many cases, candidates ignored the question and wrote descriptive answers on Lenin. One candidate wrote that s/he has not idea what ‘arbitrary’ meant, but was going to answer the question anyway.

2002-N

QUESTION 7 “The most dangerous moment for a bad government is usually when it begins to reform itself.” How far do you agree with this assessment of Russia under Alexander II?

This was only answered by a handful of candidates.

QUESTION 14 Assess the effects of the creation of the Bolshevik Party on Russia up to 1921.

This was one of the most popular questions. Among the difficulties encountered in responses to this question was the fact that many essays started in February 1917. Another problem was that many candidates ignored the end date. Some only writing about 1917, and others going up to 1924. Another difficulty was the word ‘effect’ that demanded that candidates concentrate on the consequences brought about by the creation of the Bolshevik party. Candidates wrote about the causes of the Revolution instead. There were also some excellent essays that were knowledgeable, analytical and sophisticated.

2003-M

QUESTION 8. “Alexander II tried to reform Russian institutions only because the Crimean War showed that Russia was no longer a great military power.” Use specific examples of Alexander’s reforms to show to what extent you agree with this assertion.

This was a very popular question which was generally well done. The major thrust of the argument advanced by most candidates was that the Crimean War was one of a number of causes of the reforms of Alexander II. Details of the various reforms were often included at the expense of a closer analysis of their origins and the motives of Alexander behind their introduction. Almost all the candidates challenged the statement although the degree to which this challenge was successfully supported varied enormously.

QUESTION 15. Compare and contrast the nature and results of the two 1917 Russian Revolutions.

This was the second most popular choice in May 2003. There were some excellent answers to this question, which was an extremely good discriminator. The weaker candidates mistook the 1905 Revolution as the first Russian Revolution (despite the year 1917 in the question) and proceeded to discuss this in relation to either February or October 1917. Average candidates did not understand the meaning of the word ‘nature’ and turned this question into a ‘causes of the two Revolutions’ question. The more able candidates were able, with great perception, to handle all four parts of the question and write elegant and focused answers, which were highly rewarded. It was a shame that so many candidates only partially answered this question, usually ignoring the ‘results’ of the October 1917 Revolution.

2003-N

QUESTION 7 "Alexander II had no one to blame but himself for his assassination in 1881". How far do you agree with this statement?

A very popular question. Generally well handled by the candidates but there were far too many responses which merely listed Alexander's policies without focusing on them as providing grounds for discontent.

QUESTION 15 What was the impact of the First World War on Russia between 1914 and 1921?

This was very popular and was well answered by many candidates. There was a tendency to focus entirely on the Russian Revolution and not to include the whole time period among weaker candidates.

2004-M

QUESTION 8 "The emancipation of the serfs in Russia was the only genuine reform introduced by Alexander II." To what extent do you agree with this assertion?

Without doubt this was the most popular 19th century question. Candidates know Alexander’s reforms well and many essays were detailed and knowledgeable. The greatest weakness was that candidates did not assess whether or not these reforms were ‘genuine’ which meant that the marks awarded to these responses were lower than candidates might have expected. There were however some superb essays which critically analysed the nature of what ‘genuine’ might mean in the context of Alexander’s reforms.

QUESTION 15 Assess the part played by Lenin in the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution and in the new Soviet State until his death in 1924.

There were some truly excellent answers here which were staggering in their depth and breadth. Weaker candidates confused the 1905 with the 1917 Revolution, confused the February with the October Revolution, ended their essays in 1917 or 1918 and ignored the requirement that there should be some assessment of Lenin’s role. This question proved to be an excellent discriminator.

2004-N

QUESTION 8 How consistent were the domestic policies of Alexander II?

Here again many candidates described Alexander's policies in a lengthy narrative without any focus on the word 'consistent'. It was only the better candidates who could define what they understood

QUESTION 14 Compare and contrast the contributions of Lenin and Trotsky to the establishment and development of a communist state in Russia between 1917 and 1924.

This was another very popular question which was, in general, dealt with well by the vast majority of candidates.

2005-M

QUESTION 8 For what reasons, and with what results, did Alexander II try to reform Russian institutions?

Alexander’s reforms were generally known, and most candidates at least mentioned reasons and results. Some answers were very knowledgeable and analytical.

QUESTION 14 To what extent was the Revolution of February/March 1917, in Russia, due to the nature of Tsarism and the policies of Nicholas II (1894-1917)?

The policies of Nicholas 11 were explained more satisfactorily than “tsarism” which only appeared implicitly.

QUESTION 16 Lenin wrote, “One step forward two steps back; it happens in the lives of individuals, and in the history of nations.” To what extent can this quotation be applied to Lenin’s revolutionary career and his rule of the USSR 1918 to 1924?

Most found this a challenging question, but many rose to the challenge well.

2005-N

QUESTION 7 Analyse the reasons for, and the nature of, opposition to tsardom in Russia between 1855 and 1894.

This was a popular question but too many confined their answers to Alexander II’s reforms and the opposition they caused rather than covering the whole period, 1855 to 1894.

QUESTION 13 Why did Nicholas II survive the 1905 revolution, but lose his throne in the February/March 1917 revolution?

This question on why Nicholas II survived 1905 but not 1917 revolutions was popular and quite well done, but more depth and detail would have resulted in higher bands for many.

QUESTION 15 Compare and contrast the part played by Lenin and Trotsky in the development of the USSR between 1918 and 1924.

Lenin was better known than Trotsky, and although most candidates wrote in a comparative framework, more factual knowledge would have improved most answers.

2006-M

QUESTION 9 Compare and contrast the policies of Alexander II (1855-81) and Alexander III (1881-94) of Russia.

This was a question where one of the Tsars, Alexander II, was much better known than the other, Alexander III, but most were able to use their weaker knowledge of the latter to provide a valid comparison and contrast, and score reasonably well.

QUESTION 15 Analyse the long term and short term causes of the 1917 February/March Russian Revolution.

This was a popular and generally well answered question., Candidates were able to state long and short term causes in some detail and analyse then. Those who reached the top bands did so because of good structure and attention to, and differentiation between, ‘short and long’ term events and causes.

2006-M

QUESTION 17 For what reasons, and in what ways, was a Marxist/Communist state set up in Russia between 1918 and 1928?

A question on this theme had not been set before, and many candidates were not sure how to tackle it. There was frequently too much background, often repeating material used for question 15 and too little detail and analysis, especially on Lenin, 1918 to 22. Also Stalin was often ignored completely.

2006-N

QUESTION 8 To what extent did Alexander II’s reforms cause more problems than they solved?

This proved to be another very popular and well-known subject. Most candidates described and analysed Alexander’s reforms, but only the more able ones focused exactly on, and fully addressed, “caused more problems than they solved.”

QUESTION 13 Compare and contrast the causes and consequences of the 1905 and February/March 1917 Russian Revolutions.

This was one of the three most popular twentieth century questions on the paper. Some candidates found it difficult to maintain a structure that had four elements, to compare the causes, and contrast the causes, then to compare the consequences and contrast the consequences, of the 1905 and February/ March 1917, Russian Revolutions, but the vast majority of candidates had reasonable knowledge for all four sections, and some very good responses were written. The consensus was that the causes were on the whole more similar, but the consequences very different.

QUESTION 15 How important was Trotsky’s role in the establishment and development of the Soviet state between 1917 and 1929?

Few answers on Trotsky contained enough specific detail and analysis to get beyond the satisfactory band.

2007-M

QUESTION 8 “Considering the difficulties he inherited, Alexander II of Russia should be praised not criticised for his reforms.” To what extent do you agree with this judgment?

Very popular, knowledge was detailed and most tried to turn it into a quotation on Alexander II, but few analysed his inherited difficulties in any depth.

QUESTION 15 Compare and contrast the roles of Lenin and Trotsky in the 1917 Bolshevik Revolution in Russia, and in the foundation of the new Soviet State until 1924.

A popular question with Lenin generally portrayed as the idealist, Trotsky the military leader, with more known about Lenin than Trotsky. As is so often the case in questions about this period in Russia/USSR, there was a lack of specific details and differences, e.g. on Brest Litovsk, and NEP, and little accurate dating for main events.

2007-N

QUESTION 8 “Despite his apparently liberal policies, Alexander II was just as conservative as Alexander III.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

Very popular; knowledge was detailed and most tried to evaluate Alexander II’s conservatism, but too many lost marks by ignoring Alexander III.

QUESTION 13 Why was the Provisional Government in Russia unable to consolidate and maintain its power in 1917?

Disappointing: there was some confusion about the two 1917 Revolutions and too many candidates wrote at length about tsarism and the causes of the First Revolution. Some did relate the Provisional Government’s failure to earlier problems, the war and Lenin. NB To use the abbreviation PG throughout is NOT acceptable.

2008-M

QUESTION 8. Analyse the strengths and weaknesses of Russia in the second half of the nineteenth century.

Too many candidates only addressed Alexander 11, and did not structure their answer on strengths and weaknesses. Knowledge and comment on Alexander was commendable

QUESTION 15. Analyse the reasons for the success of the Bolsheviks in the second (October/November) 1917 Russian Revolution.

This was a disappointing question. Too many answers talked about the causes of the first 1917 revolution and the overthrow of the Tsar, and knew very little about later events in 1917 with the problems facing the Provisional government and the Bolshevik Revolution.

2008-N

QUESTION 13

Not very popular; candidates probably wanted a question on Alexander 11, and knowledge on Nicholas 11 was too sparse and general.

QUESTION 14

This popular question produced disappointing answers. Candidates had insufficient specific knowledge of what Lenin did between 1918 and 1924--or rather 1922, as he was ill 1922-24.

2009-M

QUESTION 9

A popular choice. Again, the “how far” was overlooked and many answers offered a narrative Alexander‟s reforms. There was also a significant number of candidates who focused on the effects of reforms and argued on how successful Alexander had been. It should be noted that this question focuses on motives.

2009-N

QUESTION 7

Candidates wrote confidently on Alexander II, but not all of them assessed the policies in relation to the aims. Some answers provided detailed narrative with comments; fewer offered depth of analysis. However, in general, knowledge on Alexander II seems to be solid.

QUESTION 14

Again very popular, but too many candidates failed to distinguish between the February and the October Revolutions.

2010-M

QUESTION 9

A popular choice. Again, the “how far” was overlooked and many answers offered a narrative Alexander‟s reforms. There was also a significant number of candidates who focused on the effects of reforms and argued on how successful Alexander had been. It should be noted that this question focuses on motives.

2010-N

QUESTION 9 “His measures of reform did not disguise his belief in the need to maintain autocratic rule.” To what extent do you agree with this view of Alexander II?

A reasonably popular question and where the candidates were well prepared they produced some very good answers evaluating Stolypin’s aims and how successful they were. Weaker candidates drifted into comparative answers with Alexander II and III or focused on the events of 1905 with minimal reference to Stolypin’s policies. The question referred to 1905 but should have been 1906.

QUESTION 10

This question caused most anxiety with teachers and clearly some candidates did not find the wording accessible (see general points) However it was a very popular question and the vast majority of the answers concentrated on both the weakness of the Provisional Government and the strength of the Bolsheviks; using detailed knowledge and developed analysis to answer the question effectively. Those that went back to 1905 clearly did not understand what the phrase Provisional Government meant and got confused with the Dumas.

2011-M

QUESTION 9

A reasonably popular question and where the candidates were well prepared they produced some very good answers evaluating Stolypin‟s aims and how successful they were. Weaker candidates drifted into comparative answers with Alexander II and III or focused on the events of 1905 with minimal reference to Stolypin‟s policies. The question referred to 1905 but should have been 1906.

QUESTION 10

This question caused most anxiety with teachers and clearly some candidates did not find the wording accessible (see general points) However it was a very popular question and the vast majority of the answers concentrated on both the weakness of the Provisional Government and the strength of the Bolsheviks; using detailed knowledge and developed analysis to answer the question effectively. Those that went back to 1905 clearly did not understand what the phrase Provisional Government meant and got confused with the Dumas.

2011-N

QUESTION 9

This was by far the most popular question on the paper. Most candidates knew the reforms reasonably well. However the analysis was frequently undeveloped. Many candidates accepted the success of reforms uncritically and, for example, very few mentioned that the emancipated peasants were in fact tied to the Mir to a great extent. There were limited links to the preservation of imperial power and only a few answers were able to demonstrate that the limitations of the reforms helped preserve imperial power. Weaker answers used Alexander’s assassination as evidence that imperial power had been destroyed.

QUESTION 16

There were quite a few answers to this question. However they were frequently unbalanced with very limited accurate material on the domestic tensions/polarization of politics which led to the Civil War. Knowledge of the international dimension was better although many uncritically accepted that foreign intervention was ideologically driven.

2012-M

QUESTION 9

This question was very popular with some very good answers which had structure and knowledge and which made some very insightful comments that the policies of the two Czars where not radically different and that they had the same aims. However a disappointingly large number were often descriptive of the policies of Alexander II, and focused on successes and failures. There was very limited knowledge of Alexander III and often comparison was limited to one being the Czar Liberator and the other the Reactionary Czar.

QUESTION 10

This was popular but answered with varying degrees of success. Some of the popular policies were well known although a surprising number of answers failed to refer to the Decree on Land. Repressive policies were often limited to reference to the Cheka, with little comment on political repression in the form of the establishment of the one party state, closing constituent assembly, Kronstadt etc. Answers did need better links to the question.

2012-N

QUESTION 9

A very popular question and candidates had reasonable knowledge of Russian history. “Causes” were more effectively tackled than “consequences” In many cases there was little detail on events between 1906 and the outbreak of war, many contented themselves with a comment about 1905 being “a dress rehearsal for 1917”

Some candidates were determined to write about Alexander II and the bulk of their answers were focused on his reforms rather than the short term causes of 1905. However there were some very good quality responses seen which not only addressed causes but were also able to analyse the consequences of limited reform post 1905 with supporting detail of the Duma period.

QUESTION 10

Reasonably popular with candidates. Many answers were more effective in identifying contrasts than comparison. Surprisingly little was known about two such important figures at a key point in Russian history. Analysis was limited with “Lenin the brains and Trotsky the brawn” of the revolution. Many candidates tried to answer a different question and went on to discuss the Bolshevik Consolidation of power and even the Stalin period.

2013-M

QUESTION 9 To what extent do you agree that Alexander II transformed Russian society?

This was a very popular question and there were some very high level responses with good in-depth critical analysis as to the extent that Russia changed as a consequence of Alexander’s reforms.However this is also where candidates tended to produce prepared answers that focused on his motivations, whether the reforms were successful or not without considering fully the extent of change. All of Alexander’s reforms were broadly well known however in many cases the detail was less well known and candidates were therefore unable to develop their analysis fully.

QUESTION 10 Assess the impact of the Russo–Japanese War on the reign of Nicholas II up to 1914.

There were some very good answers to this question when candidates had been taught in depth the period 1905-1914. Many however had either little knowledge of the period or went straight to the years 1914-1917. Weaker answers focused on the why the war was fought, the problems during the war and finished with the fact that Russia had been humiliated and Nicholas II therefore became more unpopular. The guide is quite specific that the significance of the Russo-Japanese war should be studied.

2013-N

QUESTION 9 “Alexander III was a political reactionary but an economic modernizer.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

A very popular question and there were some good attempts to focus on the quotation. There was sound knowledge of the reign of Alexander III and in many cases the term “reactionary “was clearly understood in other cases there appeared to be some confusion. Knowledge was stronger on politics than the economy. Weaker answers focused on Alexander II, as they knew very little on Alexander III.

QUESTION 10 Compare and contrast the role of the Soviets in the February and October revolutions of 1917 in Russia.

Quite a popular question but some candidates (especially in English responses conflated the Bolsheviks and the Soviets). There were, however, a considerable number of answers which did know the difference and did compare and contrast with some success – the phrase “the role of the Soviets” is in the guide.

2014-M

QUESTION 9

This was extremely popular and most answers had clear knowledge of Alexander’s reforms. Weaker responses tended to be very uncritical of the reforms accepting that they were entirely successful. Better, more critical, responses clearly identified the aims and then were able to make informed analytical comment as to how far these aims were met.

QUESTION 10

A very popular question, although a few candidates mixed up the revolutions. Still, the vast majority of these were candidates were able to consider both long and short term causes of the revolution and incorporated some interesting and valid material. This was mainly focused on the problems caused by the war, notably those that exacerbated the underlying weakness of the Tsarist state and in turn led to discontent and revolution.

2014-N

QUESTION 9

As always, this was a very popular topic and on the whole there was a sound focus on the issue of the “impact” on the lives of the peasants. The main reforms were known and the most developed responses showed some good analysis. However, a significant number of candidates were very uncritical of the benefits of Alexander’s reforms, for example, many candidates assumed that education reforms were hugely beneficial and they were seemingly unaware that illiteracy rates remained extremely high. This is a topic where some candidates try and answer the generic question that they have rote-learned; as such a number of responses were constrained by an attempt to focus on “successes and failures” rather than fully examine the extent to which Alexander’s reforms improved the lives of the Russian peasantry.

QUESTION 10

This was another popular question, which, on the whole, enabled candidates to demonstrate their knowledge and understanding of the Leninist period and it elicited some very good answers. Nevertheless, some answers did not demonstrate a thorough knowledge of the factors and therefore focused on the Bolshevik seizure of power. Unfortunately, some, very limited, responses seemed unclear as to which revolution was at issue. However even with the more developed responses there appeared to be little understanding of the importance of the establishment of the one-party state in Bolshevik survival.

2015-M

QUESTION 9

Whilst this was a popular question, in too many cases candidates expended excessive energy on Alexander II because this is what they knew about. Knowledge of the reign of Alexander III was at times sketchy with a better knowledge of Nicholas II. There was limited knowledge of specific opposition movements with some candidates assuming that only the Socialist/Marxists opposed the Tsars and little evidence of knowledge regarding moderate opposition; Kadets, Octobrists and Liberals. Nevertheless, there were some very good answers with full knowledge of Tsarist policies and how they led to the growth of a range of opposition groups.

QUESTION 10

There were some very good answers focused on military and political leadership as well as some that argued it was the inherent weakness of the Whites that led to victory. In the middle range there was less knowledge of Lenin’s role in ensuring that the Bolshevik state supported the Red Army. A significant number were unable to separate the 1917 Revolution from the civil war.

Alexander II and Tsarist Russia

 * In what ways, and for what reasons, did Alexander II attempt to reform Russia between 1855 and 1866
 * Evaluate the motives for an results of Alexander II’s reforms?
 * To what extent did the reforms of Alexander II fulfill his aims?
 * What problems did Alexander II face in 1855 and how far was he successful in solving them?
 * Alexander II believed that it was his duty to improve the structure of the State when necessary. Why did he believe this, and what were the results of his belief?
 * Why, in spite of his efforts to reform Russian institutions, was Alexander II assassinated?
 * How far was Alexander II responsible for the dangers that overwhelmed him?
 * How far is it true to say that Russia was transformed into a modern country between 1855 and 1900?
 * What factors led to the increase of opposition to the ruling Romanov dynasty in Russia between 1855 and 1905?
 * Why, in spite of efforts to reform, was Russia still a backward country at the end of the 19th century?
 * How successful were the efforts to modernize and reform Russia in the second half of the 19th century?

The Causes and Course of the Russian Revolution

 * Assess how successfully the Tsarist government dealt with the needs and demands of the Russian people between 1881 and 1917.
 * Why did the Tsarist regime survive the 1905 revolution, but perish in the 1917 revolutions?
 * Compare and contrast the causes of the 1905 and February/March 1917 revolutions in Russia.
 * With what justification can it be said that the First World War affected the timing of the 1917 Russian Revolutions but not their outcome?
 * Account for the failure of Russian Liberals after 1905 and the success of Lenin from 1917.
 * Account for the survival of Nicholas II in 1905 and his overthrow in 1917.
 * Why was the Tsarist regime in Russia overthrown in 1917 and not in 1905?
 * Why were there two revolutions in Russia 1917? Explain why the first could be considered a failure and the second a success.
 * Account for the failure of the Provisional Government in Russia to retain power in 1917.

From Active History:

 * "The Tsarist regime was on the verge of collapse even before the advent of World War." Discuss.
 * Was the Bolshevik Revolution a popular uprising?
 * Analyze the methods and conditions by which Lenin became leader of Russia
 * Why were there two revolutions in Russia in 1917?

The Early Soviet State

 * Account for Lenin’s success in establishing himself as ruler of Russia.
 * “Much of Lenin’s success was no doubt explained by his towering domination over his (Bolshevik) party.” To what extend does this explanation account for his rise to power and rule, 1917 to 1924?
 * Explain the economic policies of Lenin and evaluate their success.
 * Compare and contrast the roles of Lenin and Trotsky in the Russian Revolution and establishment of the Bolshevik regime.
 * Compare and contrast the roles of Lenin and Trotsky in establishing the USSR up to 1924.

From Active History:

 * "Lenin was a force for good and it was fortunate for Russia that he was in control in the early years of the Soviet state". Discuss.
 * "Russia was a good place to be under Lenin in the early years of the Soviet Union." Discuss.

5. Interactive Quizzes and Other Content Review Materials
My own online quizzes, on the Quia online service, on:
 * HEM Quiz U3-01B: Russian Geography (All Qs, 10), 2014
 * HEM Quiz U3-02 The Geography of Russia, Mapping (All Qs, 7) 2014
 * HEM Quiz U3-03: Tsarist Russia, 1815-1894 (All Qs, 11)
 * HEM Quiz U3-04 The Russia of Nicholas II, 1894-1914 (All Qs, 29)-2014
 * HEM Quiz U3-05: WW I & the February Revolution (All Qs, 11) 2014
 * HEM Quiz U3-06: The Bolshevik Revolution (All Qs, 20) 2014
 * HEM Quiz U3-10: Lenin's Russia

A variety of [|interactive quizzes, activities and videos] developed or compiled by Russel Tarr at ActiveHistory.

6. Analytical Charts
Here is a list of the charts that seem to me to provide particularly useful ways to organize information about their underlying events. I've put a blank chart corresponding to each chart description on the Home page for this unit on the 20C wiki.

Alexander II's Reforms

Alexander II's Reforms– Problems and Effects

Nicholas II's Reforms

Nicholas II's Reforms– Problems and Effects

Comparison of Russian Revolutions, 1905, February and October

February Revolution: Key Steps

October Revolution: Key Steps

The End of Tsarism: Phases and levels

Lenin's Leadership-The October Revolution

Lenin's Russia: Major Policies

Lenin's Russia: Major Policies, Problems and Effects

Lenin's Russia: Major Policies and Lenin and Trotsky Roles

Lenin's Russia: Phases and levels

Lenin's Leadership-The Early Soviet Union

7. Detailed Outline
Here is a detailed outline of the entire unit, prepared by Shannon Leggett for her IB classes.
 * [[file:Russ. Revln-Leggett.pdf]]
 * [[file:Russia Bckgd Outline-Leggett.doc]]
 * [[file:Alexander II Outline-Leggett.doc]]
 * [[file:Rus Rev-Lenin-StudyGuide-Leggett.doc]]