grade 11 Soviet Union, Communism

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Questions and Answers

What was a significant consequence of Stalin's purges of the Communist party?

Strengthened the existing leadership structure

Replaced expelled members with his supporters (correct)

Increased the number of party members

Improved party relations with the military

What role did children play in Stalin's regime?

They were encouraged to pursue educational achievements.

They managed local production facilities.

They were indoctrinated to be loyal to the Communist party. (correct)

They were allowed to participate in self-governance.

What was one of the effects of the Second Five-Year Plan?

It significantly reduced employment opportunities.

It emphasized agricultural production over industry.

It decreased the availability of consumer goods.

It aimed to improve housing and living standards. (correct)

What changes were imposed on women under Stalin's policies?

Women were expected to support traditional family roles. Signup and view all the answers

How did Stalin's purge impact the Soviet army?

It resulted in the execution and imprisonment of officers. Signup and view all the answers

What was the basis for the racist policies implemented by the government?

Pseudo-scientific ideas Signup and view all the answers

Which theory did Herbert Spencer misapply to human societies?

Theory of natural selection Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the positive policies encouraged by eugenicists?

Maternity clinics Signup and view all the answers

How did social scientists wrongly believe they could study humans?

Using the same methods as zoologists Signup and view all the answers

What was a key misconception of Social Darwinists regarding races?

Some races were superior based solely on technology Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was NOT considered a reason for racial decline according to eugenicists?

High birth rates among inferior groups Signup and view all the answers

What did the concept of 'good genes' imply in the context of eugenics?

Only those with 'desirable' traits should reproduce Signup and view all the answers

Which factor was seen as a reason if an individual was considered less adapted in the Social Darwinist view?

Intellectual capacity Signup and view all the answers

What was a disadvantage of the government's consolidation of power?

Resentment from poorer classes towards the successful Signup and view all the answers

Which statement accurately reflects women's roles during the Russian Revolution?

Women played active roles in both the Bolshevik party and the revolution. Signup and view all the answers

What was one consequence of Lenin's death for women's departments in Russia?

Closure of the women department (Zhenotdel) Signup and view all the answers

What was Stalin's primary focus compared to Trotsky's vision?

Socialism in one country Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the term 'Cult of Personality' in the context of Stalin?

A method to promote a leader's image as wise and great Signup and view all the answers

How did the Bolsheviks respond to the potential threat posed by Trotsky?

By expelling him from the party and ultimately exiling him Signup and view all the answers

What was a primary tool used by Stalin to control the population?

Use of terror and censorship Signup and view all the answers

In what way did Stalin's policies differ from those of Bukharin?

Stalin opposed capitalism while Bukharin favored it. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary goal of the Nazi ideology regarding Aryan blood?

To encourage Aryans to have many children Signup and view all the answers

Which group was NOT targeted by the Nazis according to their ideas of a master race?

Educators Signup and view all the answers

What does the term 'Volksgemeinschaft' refer to in Nazi ideology?

A community of healthy Aryans for the national good Signup and view all the answers

In the context of nationalism, which event led to significant changes in the political structure of France?

The French Revolution Signup and view all the answers

What was a consequence of the breakdown of the feudal system in 18th century Europe?

Rise of the middle class Signup and view all the answers

What characterized the treatment of Slavs during the Nazi invasion of their countries?

They were treated with cruelty by the German armies Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following best describes the impact of industrialization on nationalism in 18th century Europe?

It facilitated movement and social interaction among people Signup and view all the answers

What policy did the Nazis employ towards individuals labeled as 'work shy'?

They were forced to work in labor camps Signup and view all the answers

What was a common justification for eugenics policies in the United States?

To improve the genetic quality of the fittest Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the consequences of the implementation of racial policies in Namibia?

Genocide of the Herero and Nama people Signup and view all the answers

How did the ideologies surrounding eugenics view racial mixing?

As detrimental to the superior race's integrity Signup and view all the answers

What did researchers find regarding DNA differences across races?

No consistent differences among people of different races Signup and view all the answers

What practice was enforced in Britain towards the mentally ill?

Confinement in asylums Signup and view all the answers

How did the government policies affect poor white women in South Africa?

Promotion of birth control among them Signup and view all the answers

What was one result of forced sterilization practices in the United States?

The elimination of perceived inferior traits from the population Signup and view all the answers

What was a common view held about the Indigenous Australians during colonization?

They were incapable of competing in the modern world Signup and view all the answers

What was a result of the Immorality Act in South Africa?

Criminalization of sexual relations between whites and blacks Signup and view all the answers

What practice related to eugenics was common in Norway?

Voluntary sterilization of individuals deemed unfit Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main factors that developed a sense of nationalism in Britain during the wars against France under Napoleon?

A growing sense of patriotism towards Britain Signup and view all the answers

Which statement best describes the term 'imagined community' in the context of nationalism?

A community based on shared experiences and beliefs that may not be personally known to one another Signup and view all the answers

What was the main aim of the African National Congress (ANC) upon its formation?

To unite Africans and overcome ethnic differences Signup and view all the answers

What was a significant outcome of the meetings held by the SA Native National Convention in 1909?

A demand for votes for all males and an end to racial discrimination Signup and view all the answers

How did the Industrial and Commercial Workers Union (ICU) differ from the ANC in the 1920s?

ICU had mass support from the working class while ANC mainly represented the elite Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the Atlantic Charter issued in 1941 for the ANC?

It promised self-determination and encouraged anti-colonial sentiments Signup and view all the answers

Which principle did the Non-Racialism concept of the Freedom Charter emphasize?

A democratic government for all South Africans regardless of race Signup and view all the answers

What was a major criticism of the African National Congress (ANC) during its early years?

It was seen as a moderate organization that ignored the needs of black workers Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC) form as a separate entity from the ANC?

Because the ANC abandoned its Africanist ideals in favor of non-racialism Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the goals of the Broederbond organization established in 1918?

To ensure the protection and advancement of white Afrikaners' interests Signup and view all the answers

What ideology did the Black Consciousness movement, led by Steve Biko, promote?

Pride in a black identity through culture, history, and language Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable impact of World War II on African nationalism in South Africa?

It disillusioned many black South Africans with promises of freedom Signup and view all the answers

What was the significance of the 1949 Change in ANC leadership with the entry of Congress Youth League members?

ANC transformed into a more active nationalist organization with mass support Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the Freedom Charter declared in 1955?

To call for a democratic government for all South Africans, regardless of race Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Communism in Russia 1917

Socialism/Communism = belonging to all; no completion
Communism developed after the industrial revolution
Communism took over Russia (first country to introduce a communist system)
Industrial revolution involved the rise of machinery and production change
European imperialism was a 5-century quest by European countries to gain outside territory
Wealthy people were rich, while farmers were poor
Key features of communism: resources owned by government, equality, government-controlled economy, free basic human needs including freedom

Karl Marx 1818

Marxism was a German philosopher's idea to evenly spread wealth amongst people
He wrote articles to encourage revolution, and his book "Das Kapital" focused on social inequalities during the industrial revolution, and how capitalism exploits workers
He presented the theory of Marxism as a human history of wealth and power versus the poor and powerless. This includes a conflict between owners of private property and the workforce.

Issues that led to the 1905 Revolution

Russia was ruled by Tsar Nicholas with absolute power
The system needed modernizing and the peasants lived in poverty and hardship
Poverty was high in the rural areas, resulting in low wages and poor working conditions
Poor harvests and low wages led to poverty and hardship, with low agricultural production resulting with food shortages.
Educated people took leadership positions but were unequal with the majority of the population
Majority of the population was illiterate
Opposition against the government existed, with secret police to crush or punish those opposed

The 1905 Revolution Significance

Workers protested in St. Petersburg, leading to strikes and unrest, due to unemployment, inflation and food shortages
People demanded improvements in their working conditions and basic human rights (amnesty, civil liberties, and fair wages)
Peasant demanded land to improve their lives
Reform was needed for a change in their living situation

February Revolution 1917

Soldiers joined protestors to overthrow the tsar, as he had no power
Economic issues and discontent played a role in the revolution (caused by WW1)
Food shortages and inflation occurred
Ineffective government, leading to ongoing protests
The provisional government took over control to end elections

October/Bolshevik Revolution 1917

Lenin and Trotsky planned a coup that was successful
Red guards took key places in Petrograd and stormed the Winter Palace which resulted in the provisional government's surrender
Bolsheviks gained control over Moscow, despite resistance
Social, political and economic problems caused the October revolution

Lenin's Political and Economic Policies

Bolsheviks formed a communist party that controlled policies
Lenin's policies were focused on a political revolution to gain control
Policies emphasized Lenin's leadership and totalitarianism where the state took control.
Bolsheviks seized control and closed down the constituent assembly.
Land reforms gave large landowners’ land to peasants.
Economic policies focused on nationalization of private ownership

Civil War and War Communism

Opposition to communist rule resulted in a Civil War
Communists gained victory over opponents.
War communism aimed to control the economy for the red army
Private ownership was banned, and food was forcibly requisitioned affecting food production and shortages
There was a negative impact, especially the reduction of agricultural production and distribution of food for the peasants
Sailors at Kronstadt revolted against communism due to lack of freedom and negative impacts of the policy

New Economic Policy (NEP)

NEP was a compromise to fix the economic crisis by implementing free enterprise
Peasants paid taxes in grain to sell any extra, helping them become wealthier
Government controlled large companies
Workers got bonuses for hard work

Lenin's Death and Struggle After

Russia became the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) in 1923.
The communist party was the only legal party.
Bolsheviks supported the spread of communism worldwide
Stalin and Trotsky were the new leaders striving for power

Stalinism

Stalin consolidated power and instilled a cult of personality through public displays and statues, promoting and worshipping him as a great leader.
Personal power = terror to control population. Centralized control of politics and government.
Censorship and propaganda to control beliefs and enforce his ideas on the population
Stalin's interpretation of Marxism-Leninism was focused on personal control and terror.
Collectivization = land and production by state; increased agricultural production

Collectivization

Increased agricultural production
Collective farms were owned by the state, taking land away from farmers
Food production was intended to be exported
Peasant resistance resulted with food shortages, starvation, and deportations
Stalin's forced collectivization resulted in famine and the death of several million people

Industrialization

Five-year plans transformed the Soviet Union into an industrial superpower
Heavy industries such as iron, mining, and steel expanded
Industrial infrastructure and towns were developed, producing new skilled workers
Goods were of low quality, and productivity levels were low
Workers faced dangerous conditions and suffered in Gulags
Industrialization resulted in a great transformation of the Soviet Union into a manufacturing-focused country

Political Terror: Purges and Show Trials

Show trials were used to eliminate opposing political figures
Purges removed many high-ranking members and officers in the Communist party and army
Gulags (labor camps) were used to imprison those considered enemies of the state

Women under Stalin

Women played active roles in the Communist Party, holding positions of leadership and participating in revolution
Bolshevik's radical ideas emphasized the removal of discrimination against women, making women equal

Pseudo-scientific ideas of Race

Ideas of race were developed by European in pseudo-sciences or fake sciences, based on prejudice
Ideas of race were based on the concept of different races and a hierarchy of races, arguing that Europeans were superior in their physical prowess, tech, and social behavior
This racist ideology is based on prejudices and not on actual science

Eugenics

Promotion of genetic health among favored races and the elimination or control of inferior groups
Positive eugenics sought to encourage the reproduction of individuals with desirable traits.
Negative eugenics sought to prevent reproduction among the undesirable groups.

Understanding of Race

Eugenics = the abuse of human rights; sterilisation and mass murder
Genetics showed that pseudo-science was wrong
Trace DNA to discover mothers

The First Duma (Parliament)

Established first duma, a new law, to stop protests
Armed forces loyal to the tsar were unreliable

Nazi Germany and the Holocaust

Hitler consolidated power from 1933 to 1934
Solved economic problems for Germany and consolidated totalitarian dictatorship
Hitler's Nazi Party accused communist of burning down the parliament

Nazi Ideologies and Policies

Nazis promoted a single ideology and national community
Promoted one race and eugenics
Superiority of the Aryan race and discrimination against other races: people deemed “inferior” were considered threats
Encouraged hatred and discrimination against the Jews (considered the biggest threat)

Nationalism

Nationalism is a sense of belonging to a nation
Nationalism was developed over time and in different events in various countries, with different motives and consequences

Nationalism in South Africa

Different views on nationalism regarding all South Africans equally
Nationalist movements emerged as a form of resistance against colonialism and segregation
African nationalism developed its own sense of pride and identity, opposing segregation policies made by the government
Some South Africans were involved in British efforts in the war

The Stolen Generation

Children who were mixed-race were separated from their parents
Aborigines mothers and white fathers were separated due to racial purity ideas of higher races
White families and missionaries raised the mixed-race children to erase their indigenous traditions

National Policies of Genocide

State policies that lead to extermination of a group of people. Countries used such policies across continents, and groups of people were targeted for racial or ethnic reasons.

Allied Propaganda and Post World War Two

Allied propaganda used nationalism as ideology for the war
African nationalism and the African Claims were a new political ideology against discrimination
There were important events from 1941 to 1945 that influenced and shaped African Nationalism which led to new development and demands
Younger members formed a group aimed at solving political issues causing segregation in South Africa

Afrikaner Nationalism

This concept of creating a distinct national identity gained popularity
This was achieved by establishing organizations and cultural activities that sought to preserve the Afrikaner culture
Afrikaner nationalism grew stronger and there were different groups that sought to create their identity among themselves
These groups were successful at organizing events and created a unified identity between different people
Nationalism influenced various aspects such as economics and politics in South Africa and various other countries

Communism in Russia- Summary

Communism's development was a result of the industrial revolution and inequalities across European countries
Key features of communism include government ownership of resources and equality
Karl Marx presented his theory on Marxism and das Kapital, discussing social class conflicts and capitalism's effects on workers
Factors such as poverty, low wages, and lack of equality led to revolutions in Russia, with leaders like Lenin and Trotsky shaping their own paths in history and politics
Lenin and Trotsky were influential figures in promoting communism in Russia, while others actively opposed it.

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Description

This quiz explores key aspects of Stalin's policies, including the purges within the Communist Party, the role of children, and the impact on women and the Soviet army. Additionally, it examines the eugenicists' theories and misconceptions related to Social Darwinism. Test your knowledge of this significant period in history.