Written to assist teachers and students to meet the requirements of CCEA’s GCE History AS Unit 2 `Russia 1914-41’

This book examines the complex and compelling story of the transformation of Russia (as it was in 1914) into the USSR (as it was in 1941).

When the Tsarist regime collapsed in February 1917 and the Bolsheviks seized power that October, the course of Russian history would be irrevocably changed. It became a country dominated by strong personalities - from Lenin to Trotsky to Stalin - while its people were subject to unspeakable atrocities, including the Red Terror of 1918 and the Great Purges of the 1930s.

The book examines the key events and personalities of the era and outlines the economic policies implemented by Stalin and Lenin. It looks at the impact of terror, propaganda and the cult of personality and touches upon the position of women, family, religion and the arts in Russian society.

Contents

Chapter 1 The Revolutions of February and October 1917

Chapter 2 Lenin’s Russia, 1917-24

Chapter 3 Stalin’s Rise to Power and Dictatorship 1924-41

Chapter 4 Stalin and the Soviet Economy 1924-41

Biographical Notes

Glossary

Bibliography

Copyright Information

Exam Guidance

Index