Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 2: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24 - 4 Economic and social…
Full specification wording
Option 30: Key topic 2: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24 - 4 Economic and social change, 1918–24: Social changes, including the impact of Bolshevik policies on women, education and culture.
Bolshevik policies aimed to transform Russia into a socialist society.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
Bolshevik policies aimed to transform Russia into a socialist society. For women, the Zhenotdel was established, divorce simplified, abortion legalised, and female employment promoted, though traditional attitudes persisted. In education, the Bolsheviks launched massive literacy campaigns and reformed schools to focus on practical skills and communist ideology, aiming to create the 'New Soviet Man'. Culturally, the regime attacked the Orthodox Church and promoted proletarian culture (Proletkult). They used avant-garde art, cinema, and propaganda to educate the masses and glorify the revolution. These social changes radically altered daily life, though full implementation was frequently limited by severe economic hardship and the disruption of the Civil War.
What earns the marks
- Detail the specific legal and social changes introduced for women, such as the 1918 Family Code.
- Explain the objectives and methods of Bolshevik educational reforms, including the drive to eradicate illiteracy.
- Describe the cultural shifts, including the promotion of Proletkult and the suppression of religious institutions.
- Evaluate the extent to which these social policies were successfully implemented versus the limitations imposed by economic realities.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming women achieved complete equality.
Put it right: Note that while laws changed, women still faced a 'double burden' of work and domestic duties, and traditional views remained strong.
Ignoring the ideological purpose of education.
Put it right: Emphasise that education was not just about literacy, but about indoctrinating children with communist values.
Stating that religion was completely eradicated.
Put it right: Explain that while the Church was severely persecuted, religious belief persisted among much of the population.
Exam tips
- Use specific terms like 'Zhenotdel' and 'Proletkult' to demonstrate precise historical knowledge.
- Link social changes to the broader Bolshevik goal of maintaining control and building a communist society.
- Acknowledge the gap between Bolshevik social legislation and the reality of life for ordinary Russians during this period.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 30: Key topic 2: The Bolsheviks in power, 1917–24 - 4 Economic and social change, 1918–24: Social changes, including the impact of Bolshevik policies on women, education and culture. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did early Bolshevik policies attempt to change the social position of women in Russia?
Listen
Bolshevik policies aimed to transform Russia into a socialist society. For women, the Zhenotdel was established, divorce simplified, abortion legalised, and female employment promoted, though traditional attitudes persisted. In education, the Bolsheviks launched massive literacy campaigns and reformed schools to focus on practical skills and communist ideology, aiming to create the 'New Soviet Man'. Culturally, the regime attacked the Orthodox Church and promoted proletarian culture (Proletkult). They used avant-garde art, cinema, and propaganda to educate the masses and glorify the revolution. These social changes radically altered daily life, though full implementation was frequently limited by severe economic hardship and the disruption of the Civil War. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Detail the specific legal and social changes introduced for women, such as the 1918 Family Code. Explain the objectives and methods of Bolshevik educational reforms, including the drive to eradicate illiteracy. Describe the cultural shifts, including the promotion of Proletkult and the suppression of religious institutions. Evaluate the extent to which these social policies were successfully implemented versus the limitations imposed by economic realities. A common slip: Assuming women achieved complete equality. Instead, note that while laws changed, women still faced a 'double burden' of work and domestic duties, and traditional views remained strong. Exam tip: Use specific terms like 'Zhenotdel' and 'Proletkult' to demonstrate precise historical knowledge.
See it
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Social transformation
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Ideological indoctrination
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Gender equality
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Cultural revolution
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Social transformation
- Bolshevik policies aimed to radically alter daily life and transform Russia into a socialist society, though full implementation was frequently limited by severe economic hardship and the disruption of the Civil War.
- Ideological indoctrination
- Education was used to indoctrinate children with communist values, aiming to create the 'New Soviet Man' rather than simply to spread literacy.
- Gender equality
- Laws changed for women, with divorce simplified, abortion legalised and female employment promoted, but women still faced a 'double burden' of work and domestic duties and traditional views remained strong.
- Cultural revolution
- The regime attacked the Orthodox Church and promoted proletarian culture (Proletkult), using avant-garde art, cinema and propaganda to educate the masses and glorify the revolution.
Label the diagram
Some boxes have lost their names. Pick the right name for each number.
1Box 1
2Box 2
3Box 3
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