The making of modern Russia, 1855–1991 - 4 Khrushchev and attempts to…

The idea

Khrushchev's rise to power after Stalin's death in 1953 brought a distinct personality and set of aims to Soviet leadership. He was impulsive, energetic, and committed to reforming the system he inherited. He aimed to revitalise the Communist Party, which he believed had been sidelined by a conservative bureaucracy that resisted change. By championing the Party over bureaucratic conservatism, he sought to restore its leading role and reduce the power of the state apparatus. A major impetus for reform came from the discontent in the forced labour camps, where conditions were brutal and survivors demanded justice. Khrushchev responded by releasing many prisoners, a process that began in 1953 and continued into the late 1950s, exposing the scale of Stalin's terror and fuelling demands for further reform.

What earns the marks

• Explains how Khrushchev's personality traits, such as his impulsiveness and energy, shaped his approach to reform and his willingness to challenge Stalinist orthodoxy.
• Analyses Khrushchev's aims, including de-Stalinisation, economic reform, and improving living standards, and how these were pursued in the period 1956–61.
• Assesses the significance of Khrushchev's championing of the Party over bureaucratic conservatism, for example through his attempts to reduce the power of the state security organs and promote Party officials.
• Evaluates the impact of discontent in the camps, including strikes and uprisings, in prompting the release of prisoners and the rehabilitation of victims of Stalinist repression.
• Explains the scale and consequences of the release of prisoners, such as the return of millions to society and the exposure of the Gulag system.

Common mistakes and how to put them right

• Assuming Khrushchev's reforms were solely driven by humanitarian concerns.

  Put it right by recognising his political aim to weaken rivals and strengthen the Party.

• Confusing the timing of the camp releases.

  Put it right by placing the major releases in the mid-1950s.

• Overstating the success of de-Stalinisation in eliminating bureaucratic conservatism.

  Put it right by noting that many conservatives remained in power and later opposed Khrushchev.

Exam tips

• Use specific examples of Khrushchev's actions, such as the Secret Speech of 1956, to illustrate his aims and methods.
• When discussing the release of prisoners, refer to the numbers involved and the impact on Soviet society, including the return of survivors to their homes.
• Link Khrushchev's personality to his policies, explaining how his character both enabled reform and created opposition.