From 1917 the Bolsheviks dominated Russia.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2023). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [1] Russia lost some of its best agricultural land and industrial areas.
2. [1] Russia lost 34% of its population.
3. [1] Russia lost most of its coalmines.
4. [1] Russia had to pay 300 million gold roubles.
5. [1] He led troops towards Moscow.
6. [1] He showed how weak the Provisional Government was.
7. [1] He showed how strong the Bolsheviks were.
8. [1] His actions prepared the way for the Bolsheviks to seize power.
9. [1] He showed that the army was not going to defend the Provisional Government.
10. [4-5] Explanation: Kornilov's coup attempt forced the weak Provisional Government to ask the Bolsheviks for help, who then organized the Red Guards. This exposed the Provisional Government's fragility and highlighted the Bolsheviks' strength, paving their way to power.
11. [1] War Communism helped the Bolsheviks win the Civil War.
12. [1] War Communism allowed the Bolsheviks to take control of factories and the food surplus of peasants.
13. [1] War Communism helped the Bolsheviks feed and arm their army.
14. [1] War Communism led to famine and unpopularity for the Bolsheviks.
15. [1] The NEP rescued the Bolsheviks when they had become unpopular.
16. [1] The NEP increased food production and helped feed the Russian people.
17. [4-6] Argument for War Communism importance: It was crucial for winning the Civil War by providing total economic control, nationalizing factories, and requisitioning peasant food surpluses, ensuring the Red Army was supplied and fed.
18. [4-6] Argument for NEP importance: The NEP was essential for Bolshevik survival after the Civil War. War Communism caused widespread famine and discontent (e.g., Kronstadt mutiny). The NEP's relaxation of state control, private ownership, and allowing peasants to keep surpluses boosted food production, averting further unrest and regime collapse.