Want help with Russian History essays? :)
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Original post by crocker710
If you've stuck with a Russian History essay here's the place for you! Post up what you're stuck with and I'll give you a hand where I can. Quote me or inbox me for a quick(er) response, oh, and positive rep is always welcomed 
Tom
Tom
Hi, just wondering if i could get a hand with the structure and possible themes of the following;
Opposition to the government was ineffective in the the period 1855-1964, how far do you agree?
and
asses the view that the communist did less then the tsars to improve the lives of the the working class
PS does anyone know the weightings for the coursework and the exam at A2? because i got two As in the coursework and want to know how much of my grade this is work at A2, thanks in advance.
Original post by mantas123
Hi, just wondering if i could get a hand with the structure and possible themes of the following;
Opposition to the government was ineffective in the the period 1855-1964, how far do you agree?
and
asses the view that the communist did less then the tsars to improve the lives of the the working class
PS does anyone know the weightings for the coursework and the exam at A2? because i got two As in the coursework and want to know how much of my grade this is work at A2, thanks in advance.
Opposition to the government was ineffective in the the period 1855-1964, how far do you agree?
and
asses the view that the communist did less then the tsars to improve the lives of the the working class
PS does anyone know the weightings for the coursework and the exam at A2? because i got two As in the coursework and want to know how much of my grade this is work at A2, thanks in advance.
At A2 the exam is worth 30% and the coursework is worth 20%.
Oh and for your first question it might be an idea as a plan to list who the main opposition was and then work out for each one in what way they were effective and then in what way they weren't. Then make a judgement. It's quite a broad period of time though.
For the second question: I'm not sure what the time period is focused on but I would as a plan: List what the tsars and the communists both did to improve the lives of the working class and then compare the two.
(edited 12 years ago)
To what extent were the industrial changes in the reign of Nicholas II more significant for Russia and the Soviet Union than those of any other period between 1855 and 1964?
i have no clue on what themes to do and what to write
i have no clue on what themes to do and what to write
Original post by Lallylally
To what extent were the industrial changes in the reign of Nicholas II more significant for Russia and the Soviet Union than those of any other period between 1855 and 1964?
i have no clue on what themes to do and what to write
i have no clue on what themes to do and what to write
so the main focus of this question is industrial change under nicholas II - so this is going to be stolypin and Count Witte. I think the best way to approach this question is as if it is a turning point question. Analyse how the improvements in industry under NII affected political/social/economic factors and conclude with a general statement about the extent the changes were (or more likely, were not) the most significant.
Other areas to analyse would be
- War Communist / NEP
- Emancipation of the Surfs (doesn't have to be a short term important factor, but without it peasants would still be tied to the land and unable to move into the cities)
- Stalin and Five Year Plans
compare each of these impact on Russia and come to a conclusion which balances what you discuss. I would personally say without the EotS industrialisation would be impossible, NII realised Russia needed to industrialise, and it's involvement in the FWW for three years testifies to that. War communism enabled Russia to function as without it the crippling debt and reaction to radical change would have brought Russia to its knees. However, ultimately it was Stalin with his Five Year Plans who brought Russia into the modern age, enabling it to be seen as a world super-power by 1945, and having the H-bomb by 1948.
Original post by crocker710
so the main focus of this question is industrial change under nicholas II - so this is going to be stolypin and Count Witte. I think the best way to approach this question is as if it is a turning point question. Analyse how the improvements in industry under NII affected political/social/economic factors and conclude with a general statement about the extent the changes were (or more likely, were not) the most significant.
Other areas to analyse would be
- War Communist / NEP
- Emancipation of the Surfs (doesn't have to be a short term important factor, but without it peasants would still be tied to the land and unable to move into the cities)
- Stalin and Five Year Plans
compare each of these impact on Russia and come to a conclusion which balances what you discuss. I would personally say without the EotS industrialisation would be impossible, NII realised Russia needed to industrialise, and it's involvement in the FWW for three years testifies to that. War communism enabled Russia to function as without it the crippling debt and reaction to radical change would have brought Russia to its knees. However, ultimately it was Stalin with his Five Year Plans who brought Russia into the modern age, enabling it to be seen as a world super-power by 1945, and having the H-bomb by 1948.
Other areas to analyse would be
- War Communist / NEP
- Emancipation of the Surfs (doesn't have to be a short term important factor, but without it peasants would still be tied to the land and unable to move into the cities)
- Stalin and Five Year Plans
compare each of these impact on Russia and come to a conclusion which balances what you discuss. I would personally say without the EotS industrialisation would be impossible, NII realised Russia needed to industrialise, and it's involvement in the FWW for three years testifies to that. War communism enabled Russia to function as without it the crippling debt and reaction to radical change would have brought Russia to its knees. However, ultimately it was Stalin with his Five Year Plans who brought Russia into the modern age, enabling it to be seen as a world super-power by 1945, and having the H-bomb by 1948.
would you use themes or would you just compare it with each ruler as a separate paragraph ?
Original post by Lallylally
would you use themes or would you just compare it with each ruler as a separate paragraph ?
within each ruler analyse their effect on society, politics and economy, repeat this for each event,
Tom
well first of foremost, i just want to say i think its really sweet what your doing for everyone on this thread.
i was wonder if you knew any good sites to get primary sources??
i was wonder if you knew any good sites to get primary sources??
(edited 12 years ago)
Original post by Lippy Nikki
well first of foremost, i just want to say i think its really sweet what your doing for everyone on this thread.
i was wonder if you knew any good sites to get primary sources??
i was wonder if you knew any good sites to get primary sources??
What period of Russia are you looking for primary sources from?
Tom
Original post by crocker710
If you've stuck with a Russian History essay here's the place for you! Post up what you're stuck with and I'll give you a hand where I can. Quote me or inbox me for a quick(er) response, oh, and positive rep is always welcomed
Tom
Tom
Hey, how would you tackle this question: Explain why opposition to Russian governments in the period 1855-1964 was so nearly successful?
The wording confuses me a little because it was successful in 1905 and 1917....
This is a rough idea I put in my mind for tackling it but I'm not so sure it'll work.
Intro.
Section 1 : Talk about how failure in War caused a growth in opposition and explain why the wars in 1905 and 1917 caused so much more opposition than the Crimean War and Russo-Turkish war.
Section 2: Talk about how repression prevented opposition during the Communist years, compared to aggrevating opposition in the Tsarist years, leading to the inevitable success of the opposition
Section 3: Talk about how economic failure caused a growth in opposition during the Tsarist years, then say how the Communist industrial economy was more successful and how when it did fail, it had repression to keep opposition minimised.
Conclusion
Is there a better way to approach this essay? I always seem to just split anyy Russia essay up into: Economy, War and Opposition/repression
Cheers
Original post by simonc1993
Hey, how would you tackle this question: Explain why opposition to Russian governments in the period 1855-1964 was so nearly successful?
The wording confuses me a little because it was successful in 1905 and 1917....
This is a rough idea I put in my mind for tackling it but I'm not so sure it'll work.
Intro.
Section 1 : Talk about how failure in War caused a growth in opposition and explain why the wars in 1905 and 1917 caused so much more opposition than the Crimean War and Russo-Turkish war.
Section 2: Talk about how repression prevented opposition during the Communist years, compared to aggrevating opposition in the Tsarist years, leading to the inevitable success of the opposition
Section 3: Talk about how economic failure caused a growth in opposition during the Tsarist years, then say how the Communist industrial economy was more successful and how when it did fail, it had repression to keep opposition minimised.
Conclusion
Is there a better way to approach this essay? I always seem to just split anyy Russia essay up into: Economy, War and Opposition/repression
Cheers
The wording confuses me a little because it was successful in 1905 and 1917....
This is a rough idea I put in my mind for tackling it but I'm not so sure it'll work.
Intro.
Section 1 : Talk about how failure in War caused a growth in opposition and explain why the wars in 1905 and 1917 caused so much more opposition than the Crimean War and Russo-Turkish war.
Section 2: Talk about how repression prevented opposition during the Communist years, compared to aggrevating opposition in the Tsarist years, leading to the inevitable success of the opposition
Section 3: Talk about how economic failure caused a growth in opposition during the Tsarist years, then say how the Communist industrial economy was more successful and how when it did fail, it had repression to keep opposition minimised.
Conclusion
Is there a better way to approach this essay? I always seem to just split anyy Russia essay up into: Economy, War and Opposition/repression
Cheers
I would be tempted to look at different opposition groups and analyse why they weren't successful, and if they were partially why they didn't gain full success.
Good areas to look at are;
- Internal opposition;- after the 1905 'revolution' the Duma was quite radical, so during the next 3 sessions 1905/6 and 8 it was flooded with pro-Tsarists. The internal power struggle within the communist party between 1924 - 9, could be shown as a partial success as Stalin gained power, but then became despotic. A final show of where internal opposition was arguably fully successful was with the removal of Khrushchev in 64, but this was only after he relaxed repression after the secret speech in 56. ( Could cram in the Nobles after the Emancipation of the Surfs as they objected to losing their land and were semi-successful as they were given compensation - only reason for including this is to ensure full coverage of the period). Show the lack of success of internal opposition in Stalin's reign and the show trials.
- External opposition, look at political activists outside the main stream of politics. Look at the peoples will, who were 'successful' in assassinating (after countless attempts ) Alexander II but in doing so they stopped Russia becoming a constitutional monarchy. Secondly look at the success of the Feb / Oct 1917 revolutions as they were orchestrated by external groups, could say successful, but what changed, Red Tsar = Red Commissar?
- Minorities - show how the different countries besides Russia in the Russian empire/USSR weren't successful in gaining their independent aims, good comparison is the 1956 hungarian revolt and the 1861 hungarian revolt, shows continuity with the way they were dealt.
could possibly look at international opposition if you want a fourth paragraph, look at the Entente's objection to the removal from the FWW, look at the foreign forces which fought in the Russian Civil War, Could look at the international opposition to communism, the containment of the SWW the descent of the iron curtain, could possibly show the abrogation of the black sea clauses under AII which happened after the Crimean War which showed failure of international opposition.
If you need any help, or clarification of what any of these mean as they're typed in partial note form feel free to quote me back and I'll help you with whatever you need,
Tom
Original post by crocker710
If you've stuck with a Russian History essay here's the place for you! Post up what you're stuck with and I'll give you a hand where I can. Quote me or inbox me for a quick(er) response, oh, and positive rep is always welcomed
Tom
Tom
Hi again, thank you so much for your help with the essay questions I posted last time
very useful I would be grateful if you could help with a thematic essay plan for the following essay:
'How far do you agree that the credit for industrialising Russia in the period from 1855 to 1964 can only be given to Stalin?'
Thank you.
Original post by meg162
Hi again, thank you so much for your help with the essay questions I posted last time very useful
I would be grateful if you could help with a thematic essay plan for the following essay:
'How far do you agree that the credit for industrialising Russia in the period from 1855 to 1964 can only be given to Stalin?'
Thank you.
very useful I would be grateful if you could help with a thematic essay plan for the following essay:
'How far do you agree that the credit for industrialising Russia in the period from 1855 to 1964 can only be given to Stalin?'
Thank you.
No problem, what mark did you get?
hmmph this is a hard question to answer thematically, and you'll need some really good key figures ( I guess your teacher must have told you some to set this question?). The way I would do it thematically is analyse the different types of industry and see who affected them most. To do this you'd need to choose a few different industries, such as heavy, consumer and cottage and see who affected them the most. I would agree that Stalin affected greatly heavy industry, but Nicholas II with Count Witte really did improve it, and Lenin did help. other areas I would say stalin wasn't the biggest influence, and that Alexander II was the most influential in cottage industries and Khrushchev was the big improver of consumer goods, but the only way to show this conclusively is with figures. As a side note, it might be best to quote the figure but also to show the percentage increase even if you're not given it it's not too hard to work out but really has the effect of enforcing the scale of the increase,
If you need anything else feel free to post back again :P ,
Tom
Original post by mimimimi
Hey there...
I only just found this thread, and I must say OP you're doing a stellar job here! You must be an essay writing machine!
I'm a Russian Studies undergrad, so I thought I'd join in case I ever need any help with my essays, and I also may be able to try and help people
I only just found this thread, and I must say OP you're doing a stellar job here! You must be an essay writing machine!
I'm a Russian Studies undergrad, so I thought I'd join in case I ever need any help with my essays, and I also may be able to try and help people
Hiya (it's not all about) mimimimi
[sorry for the poor joke lol] cheers for post! It means a lot to me to know I'm helping people out. Your degree sounds really interesting, what period does it encompass? and feel free to help people on this, it would be cool if this thread was many people all helping each other :P ,Tom
Original post by crocker710
Hiya (it's not all about) mimimimi [sorry for the poor joke lol] cheers for post! It means a lot to me to know I'm helping people out. Your degree sounds really interesting, what period does it encompass? and feel free to help people on this, it would be cool if this thread was many people all helping each other :P ,
Tom
[sorry for the poor joke lol] cheers for post! It means a lot to me to know I'm helping people out. Your degree sounds really interesting, what period does it encompass? and feel free to help people on this, it would be cool if this thread was many people all helping each other :P ,Tom
My degree is all-encompassing
It really depends on my module choices... In first year I had to take four modules in Russian history to give a broad overview of everything, then in second year I specialised with one module purely about Petersburg's history and culture, one about the social contract in the Soviet Union and one about Russian literature. I'm finding it incredibly hard trying to specialise, because it's all just so interesting! Right now I'm actually on my year abroad in Petersburg, which is amazing, but I'm a bit worried that I'll be out of practice when it comes to writing essays again next year! Eep!
Original post by crocker710
What period of Russia are you looking for primary sources from?
Tom
Tom
It does not matter now, my deadline has passed
but thanks anyway for getting back to me
Original post by crocker710
If you've stuck with a Russian History essay here's the place for you! Post up what you're stuck with and I'll give you a hand where I can. Quote me or inbox me for a quick(er) response, oh, and positive rep is always welcomed
Tom
Tom
My deadline is for Friday so help would be very appreciated!
My question is:
How significant was the work of the reforming leaders in changing the nature of Russian government and society in the years 1856-1964?
I have no idea how to structure this so I can include all leaders equally... I've only wrote about half of it and compared to my part A it's a load of rubbish. What themes can I expand on and what historians would be best to counter argue with?
I've used people such as Saunders, Pipes, Anderson and Figes so far... know I need more though. Thanks!
Original post by emily2406
Hi.
Could you help me with a basic structure for:
"Was Stalinism really all that bad?"I can't decide whether to do it chronologically or split it into economic, political, social etc...
Any key points you could think of would also be of help
Also, since I had to think of this essay title myself, do you have any suggestions for re-phrasing it to make it sound better?
Thanks
Could you help me with a basic structure for:
"Was Stalinism really all that bad?"I can't decide whether to do it chronologically or split it into economic, political, social etc...
Any key points you could think of would also be of help
Also, since I had to think of this essay title myself, do you have any suggestions for re-phrasing it to make it sound better?
Thanks
I can give some evidence for why it was:
"The Katyn massacre, also known as the Katyn Forest massacre (Polish: zbrodnia katy?ska, mord katy?ski, 'Katy? crime'; Russian: ????????? ????????), was a mass execution of Polish nationals carried out by the Soviet secret police NKVD in April–May 1940. It was based on Lavrentiy Beria's proposal to execute all members of the Polish Officer Corps, dated 5 March 1940. This official document was approved and signed by the Soviet Politburo, including its leader, Joseph Stalin. The number of victims is estimated at about 22,000, the most commonly cited number being 21,768."
Hiya
I have this essay to do "“The Main Domestic Policies of Russian rulers remained the same throughout the period from 1855-1964” How far do you agree with this statement."
My idea is to split it up into sections (Social, Economic, Political and maybe military) and then make some comparisons between the ruler's policies.
However I was wondering how in depth i should go, for example the main economic aim (for the first five Rulers anyway) was Industrialisation, but they're actual policies differed, the five year plans, NEP, Wittes policies ect...
Its an OCR A2 level essay.
How in depth do you think I should go on each section?
Thanks
I have this essay to do "“The Main Domestic Policies of Russian rulers remained the same throughout the period from 1855-1964” How far do you agree with this statement."
My idea is to split it up into sections (Social, Economic, Political and maybe military) and then make some comparisons between the ruler's policies.
However I was wondering how in depth i should go, for example the main economic aim (for the first five Rulers anyway) was Industrialisation, but they're actual policies differed, the five year plans, NEP, Wittes policies ect...
Its an OCR A2 level essay.
How in depth do you think I should go on each section?
Thanks
Original post by SomethingSpezial
Hiya
I have this essay to do "“The Main Domestic Policies of Russian rulers remained the same throughout the period from 1855-1964” How far do you agree with this statement."
My idea is to split it up into sections (Social, Economic, Political and maybe military) and then make some comparisons between the ruler's policies.
However I was wondering how in depth i should go, for example the main economic aim (for the first five Rulers anyway) was Industrialisation, but they're actual policies differed, the five year plans, NEP, Wittes policies ect...
Its an OCR A2 level essay.
How in depth do you think I should go on each section?
Thanks
I have this essay to do "“The Main Domestic Policies of Russian rulers remained the same throughout the period from 1855-1964” How far do you agree with this statement."
My idea is to split it up into sections (Social, Economic, Political and maybe military) and then make some comparisons between the ruler's policies.
However I was wondering how in depth i should go, for example the main economic aim (for the first five Rulers anyway) was Industrialisation, but they're actual policies differed, the five year plans, NEP, Wittes policies ect...
Its an OCR A2 level essay.
How in depth do you think I should go on each section?
Thanks
Hiya, it sounds like you've got the makings of a good essay, and the idea for a really top mark essay! What you could do is show that the aims of the Russian Rulers were the same, but the means by which they attempted to achieve it differed due to ideology. Say that on a flat piece of paper, their ideologies are at the other ends of the spectrum, but when the paper is put edge to edge, their goals are the same or a better analogy cause that was a bit confusing. If you need anymore help feel free to post back,
Tom
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