Stalin and Khrushchev's Leadership Impact

Jonathan Newman discusses the Great Purge of Russia under Stalin, highlighting his paranoia, use of propaganda, and the secret police to maintain control. Stalin's purges targeted generals and led to forced collectivization of land, resulting in widespread suffering. The use of gulags for dissenters is also covered. After Stalin's death, Khrushchev's leadership brought some reforms, though communism persisted.

What was the primary reason behind Stalin's absolute rule over Russia?

• His economic reforms

• His democratic policies

• His paranoia and desire for power

• His benevolent leadership

How did Stalin maintain a positive image among the people?

• By implementing fair policies

• By reducing taxes

• Through extensive propaganda

• Through international alliances

What was the role of Stalin's secret police?

• To manage economic policies

• To protect the citizens

• To suppress revolutionary groups

• To enforce laws

Why did Stalin execute many of his generals?

• They were incompetent

• They opposed his economic policies

• They were suspected of treason

• They were part of a foreign conspiracy

What was the impact of Stalin's collectivization policy on peasants?

• Forced loss of privately owned land

• Improved living standards

• Enhanced political freedom

• Increased agricultural output

What were gulags used for during Stalin's regime?

• Military training

• Work or death camps for dissenters

• Educational purposes

• Healthcare facilities

Who came into power after Stalin's death?

• Khrushchev

• Gorbachev

• Trotsky

• Lenin

How did Khrushchev's leadership differ from Stalin's?

• He focused solely on economic reforms

• He continued Stalin's policies

• He was more lenient and denounced Stalin's methods

• He was more oppressive

What was one of Khrushchev's actions to gain respect from the people?

• He increased military spending

• He denounced Stalin's brutal methods

• He formed new international alliances

• He reduced taxes

What was the overall impact of Khrushchev's leadership on Russia?

• It resulted in economic decline

• It caused increased political oppression

• It marked a slight improvement over Stalin's era

• It led to a complete end of communism