WWI - POST WWII

• What was the impact of the invasion on the Soviet Union in June 1941?

  The invasion took the country completely by surprise.
• Why did Stalin dismiss warnings from Western intelligence agencies?

  He believed they were not credible.
• How was the German army described in relation to the Soviet Union's preparedness?

  The German army was highly advanced, while the Soviet Union was ill-prepared.
• By December 1941, what had happened to the German advance towards Moscow?

  The German advance had stalled outside Moscow.
• What factors contributed to the Soviet army's defense of Moscow despite heavy losses?

  The harsh Russian winter and the resilience of the Soviet army contributed to the defense.
• What role did the vast size and internal resources of the Soviet Union play during the war?

  They proved difficult for the Germans to exploit.
• What are the key features of the Soviet war effort during the Great Patriotic War?

  • Levelling the playing field: Industrialization and increased production of weapons.
  • Lend-Lease: Support from Allies providing materials and equipment.
  • People’s War: Mobilization of the entire population, including women in factories.
  • Brutality of war: Acts of violence committed by both Germans and Soviets.
• What was the purpose of the Lend-Lease program for the Soviet Union?

  To supply the Soviet Union with much-needed materials and equipment.
• How did the Soviet population contribute to the war effort?

  Millions of civilians worked in factories producing weapons and supplies.
• What roles did women take on during the Soviet war effort?

  Women took on factory and farm jobs traditionally held by men.
• What does the term "Brutality of war" refer to in the context of the Soviet Union during the Great Patriotic War?


  It refers to the brutal acts committed by both the Germans and Soviets during the conflict.
• Why did the Soviet Union want to create a buffer zone in Eastern Europe?

  To protect their borders after being invaded by Germany in 1941.
• What were Stalin's ambitions for the Soviet Union after World War II?

  To make the Soviet Union a global superpower by expanding its territory and influence.
• What strategic resources did the Soviet Union want to control?

  Valuable resources such as oil and minerals.
• How did the Soviet Union use propaganda after World War II?


  To promote their cause both at home and abroad.
• What were the methods used by the Soviet Union to maintain control over its satellite states?

  • Occupation by the Soviet Army.
  • Deployment of secret police to control local governments.
  • Establishment of communist regimes subservient to the Soviet Union.
  • Suppression of opposition to Soviet rule.
• What was the significance of the Soviet Union's expansion into Eastern Europe after World War II?

  It aimed to create a sphere of influence and secure strategic control over neighboring countries.
• What does the term "Arms Race" refer to?

  A competition between nations to have the most powerful armed forces.
• What were the consequences of the collapse of the Soviet Union?

  Political, economic, and social upheaval in former Soviet states.
• Why was Stalingrad strategically important during the war?

  It was a major industrial center on the Volga
• How did the spread of communism pose a threat to the West according to the material?

  The spread of communism was perceived as a threat due to its ideological opposition to capitalism.
• How might restrictions on family size be perceived in different contexts?

  As a violation of personal freedoms or as necessary for environmental sustainability.
• What characterized the Battle of Stalingrad?

  It was one of the most brutal and decisive battles in history
• What were the consequences of the Battle of Stalingrad for both sides?

  Both sides suffered terrible losses
• What should a proposal for managing population growth include?

  • Realistic and practical strategies
  • Ethical considerations
  • Specific social, economic, and cultural contexts
• What is the significance of the time period 1917–45 in relation to communism?

  It marks the rise and spread of communism following the Russian Revolution.
• What was the impact of the war on the city of Stalingrad?

  The city was almost completely destroyed during the battle
• What were the conditions faced by civilians in Stalingrad during the war?

  They suffered from starvation, disease, and trauma from constant warfare
• What was required for the reconstruction of Stalingrad after the war?

  The combined efforts of many people and all available resources
• What factors contributed to the spread of communism according to the material?

  Various political, social, and economic factors contributed to the spread of communism.
• What does the reconstruction of Stalingrad demonstrate about the Soviet people?

  It demonstrated their resilience
• How did the global perception of communism change during the period 1917–45?

  The global perception of communism shifted to view it as a significant ideological threat.
• What was the significance of the Battle of Stalingrad in World War II?

  It marked the beginning of the Soviet Union's advance westward
• What was the human cost of the Battle of Stalingrad?

  It had immense human costs on both sides
• How did the Battle of Stalingrad change the course of the war?

  It changed the geopolitical landscape of Europe and the world
• What military strategies were developed as a result of the Battle of Stalingrad?

  New military strategies and tactics in response to urban warfare
• What factors contributed to the German forces' difficulties during the siege of Stalingrad?

  A lack of supplies, the tenacity of Soviet defenders, and severe winter weather
• What combination of factors characterized the Battle of Stalingrad?

  Military strategy, human endurance, and the impact of the environment
• Why did Hitler want to destroy the Soviet Union?

  He hated communism and despised its people
• What was the name of the German offensive to the Soviet Union that commenced in June 1941?

  Operation Barbarossa