Question 1: When did Lenin return to Russia after his exile?

Answer: April 1917

Question 2: Which event marked the beginning of Bolshevik control in Russia?

Answer: The October Revolution

Question 3: Describe the main aim of Lenin's New Economic Policy (NEP).

Answer: To stabilize the economy by allowing limited private enterprise while maintaining state control over major industries.

Question 4: What was the significance of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk in 1918?

Answer: It ended Russia's involvement in World War I, but resulted in territorial losses for Russia.

Question 5: Who was the leader of the Bolsheviks before Lenin's rise to power?

Answer: Vladimir Lenin

Question 1: Source: 'Lenin's pamphlet, 'What Is To Be Done?', 1902, called for a highly disciplined revolutionary party.' What can you infer about Lenin's approach to leadership and organization?

Answer: Lenin emphasized strict discipline and a centralized party structure to effectively lead the revolution, reflecting his belief in a vanguard party guiding the masses.

Question 2: How might the purpose of this source influence its content?

Answer: The purpose to promote party discipline likely means the source emphasizes unity and control, possibly downplaying internal disagreements or broader popular support.

Question 3: Evaluate the reliability of this source as a primary document for understanding Lenin's ideas.

Answer: As a pamphlet written by Lenin himself, it is a reliable primary source for his ideological views, but it may be biased towards promoting his leadership and revolutionary strategy.

Question 1: Explain why Lenin decided to withdraw Russia from World War I.

Answer: Lenin aimed to focus on consolidating power within Russia and believed the war was an imperialist conflict that exploited workers. The Treaty of Brest-Litovsk allowed Russia to exit the war but resulted in territorial concessions.

Question 2: Describe how Lenin's policies helped solidify Bolshevik control after the October Revolution.

Answer: Lenin implemented measures such as the Red Terror, nationalization of industry, and suppression of opposition, which centralized power and eliminated rivals, ensuring Bolshevik dominance.

Question 3: Explain the significance of the New Economic Policy (NEP) in the early Soviet Union.

Answer: The NEP marked a temporary retreat from full socialism, allowing small-scale private trade to revive the economy and stabilize Lenin's government after the civil war.

Question 1: To what extent was Lenin's leadership crucial in establishing the Soviet Union’s foundations?

Answer: Lenin's leadership was vital in guiding the Bolsheviks through the October Revolution, implementing policies like War Communism and the NEP, and consolidating power after the civil war. His strategic decisions and ideological vision laid the groundwork for the Soviet state, though challenges like opposition and economic hardship persisted. Therefore, Lenin's role was largely decisive in shaping early Soviet foundations, though external factors also influenced outcomes.