How to structure an answer to the question: 'Assess the view that Lenin’s rule between 1917 and l924 was merely a brutal dictatorship'.
First, we could ask if we both think that Lenin’s rule can simply be reduced to a ‘brutal dictatorship’. Do we not need to be more specific if we are going to properly understand the specificities of Russian history? I would start by suggesting that we draw a distinction between what Lenin says and what he does. Or what he wants to achieve and what he can achieve under the circumstances. This could be a good starting point for constructing an answer and lends itself well to examining some primary sources. For example, Lenin’s 26th October speech to the Soviet congress.
This question is lifted from one of the OCR 2017 sample papers for A level. The specification states that a thematic judgement is important if the candidate is to do well. Therefore, talking through some form of comparative analysis seems appropriate, what are the differences and similarities between Lenin, Stalin and the Tsars? Is Lenin an idealist like Nicolas ii? Unlike Stalin it is difficult to see Lenin subscribing to the principles of ‘Socialism in one Country’. From this we can establish what was general and particular about Lenin’s rule. This combined with a look at some sources can help the student come to a nuanced judgement on whether Lenin was merely a brutal dictator or a more sophisticated historical actor. This will hopefully leave enough space for the student to form their own opinion and advocate it convincingly.
