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Comparing interpretations of Stalin's wartime leadership
How does Interpretation B differ from Interpretation A about Stalin's wartime leadership? Explain your answer based on what it says in Interpretations A and B.
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Marking points
- 1 Identifies a valid difference between the interpretations about Stalin's wartime leadership.
- 2 Supports the comparison using what Interpretation A says.
- 3 Supports the comparison using what Interpretation B says.
- 4 Develops the comparison rather than only saying one interpretation is positive and the other is negative.
Full-mark answer
Interpretation B differs from Interpretation A because B presents Stalin as a poor wartime leader, while A presents him as an effective and important leader. A praises Stalin's intelligence, determination and attention to detail, suggesting that his decisions helped the USSR defeat Germany. By contrast, B argues that Stalin weakened the USSR because he purged experienced commanders, ignored warnings of invasion, planned badly and failed to provide enough military equipment.
Why this answer loses marks
Interpretation A is positive and Interpretation B is negative.
This spots the tone but does not support a specific contrast from both interpretations about Stalin's wartime leadership.