Question Constellation Sign up for free AQA · GCSE · History · Higher
Comparing interpretations of Stalin
How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about Stalin? Explain your answer based on what it says in Interpretations A and B.
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Marking points
- 1 Analyses the content of both Interpretation A and Interpretation B.
- 2 Identifies a valid view from Interpretation A about Stalin.
- 3 Identifies a valid contrasting view from Interpretation B about Stalin.
- 4 Develops the answer by explicitly explaining the difference between the interpretations.
Full-mark answer
Interpretation A is more favourable towards Stalin, arguing that his actions, including the purges, defended the achievements of the Bolshevik revolution and preserved the first proletarian state. Interpretation B is critical of Stalin because it says the people accused of being traitors were actually loyal communists, so Stalin took the USSR in the wrong direction.
Why this answer loses marks
Interpretation A says Stalin was good and Interpretation B says Stalin was bad.
This spots opposite views but does not develop the contrast using content from both interpretations.