New leaders and ideologies; Lenin's Russia, ideology and change; Stalin's rise, ideology and change
After 1917, Lenin and then Stalin each took control of Russia and used distinct political beliefs to reshape the country. Their ideologies — their core ideas about how society should be organised — drove enormous and often violent change.
Real World
Lenin's New Economic Policy — allowing limited private trade while the state kept control of major industries — resembles China's post-1978 market reforms under Deng Xiaoping: communist ideology adapted pragmatically to prevent economic collapse.
Exam Focus
Distinguish Lenin's ideology from Stalin's in your answer; conflating them suggests weak knowledge and will cost marks.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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