History GCSE

Political instability

What Political instability means in History GCSE, as defined for Pearson Edexcel.

Definitions of Political instability

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Reference: Pearson Edexcel

The Tsar's absence from Petrograd left the government in the hands of the unpopular Tsarina Alexandra and Rasputin, severely damaging the regime's credibility and alienating the Russian elite.

Pearson Edexcel · Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 1 The growth of opposition to the tsar in early 1917 (study guide)

The period 1968–76 saw significant power struggles, and the Gang of Four attempted to seize control but lacked military support.

Pearson Edexcel · Option 32: Key topic 3: The Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, 1966–76 - 4 The end of the Cultural Revolution, 1968–76 (study guide)

Weimar's perceived weakness during the hyperinflation crisis and the French occupation of the Ruhr triggered the Munich Putsch.

Pearson Edexcel · Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 2 The Munich Putsch and the Nazi Party, 1923–28 (study guide)

The Emperor's death created a power vacuum and a succession crisis, leading to a bitter civil war between his sons.

Pearson Edexcel · Option P1: Key topic 3: The Spanish Empire c1528–c1555 - 1 Pizarro and the conquest of the Incas (study guide)

The Provisional Government appeared weak and reliant on radical forces for survival after the revolt collapsed.

Pearson Edexcel · Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 3 The Provisional Government (study guide)

Political unrest, naval mutinies and widespread starvation forced the abdication of the Kaiser.

Pearson Edexcel · Option 31: Key topic 1: The Weimar Republic 1918–29 - 1 The origins of the Republic, 1918–19 (study guide)

Topics that use Political instability

Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 1 The growth of opposition to the tsar in early 1917 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option 30: Key topic 1: The revolutions of 1917 - 3 The Provisional Government (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option 31: Key topic 1: The Weimar Republic 1918–29 - 1 The origins of the Republic, 1918–19 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option 31: Key topic 2: Hitler’s rise to power, 1919–33 - 2 The Munich Putsch and the Nazi Party, 1923–28 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option 32: Key topic 3: The Cultural Revolution and its aftermath, 1966–76 - 4 The end of the Cultural Revolution, 1968–76 (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)
Option P1: Key topic 3: The Spanish Empire c1528–c1555 - 1 Pizarro and the conquest of the Incas (Pearson Edexcel GCSE)

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