Pearson Edexcel · GCSE · History
Course version: 1HI0 · Version from Sept 2016
Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 3…
Full specification wording
Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 3 Propaganda and censorship: The new Constitution of 1936.
The 1936 Constitution, often called the 'Stalin Constitution', was presented as the most democratic in the world, guaranteeing rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, alongside…
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 1HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 2 of 2
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
The 1936 Constitution, often called the 'Stalin Constitution', was presented as the most democratic in the world, guaranteeing rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, alongside employment and leisure. However, in reality, it was a piece of propaganda designed to mask the brutal reality of Stalin's dictatorship and the ongoing Great Terror. It aimed to impress foreign observers and secure international alliances against Nazi Germany. The Constitution created a new Supreme Soviet, but only Communist Party candidates could stand for election, ensuring total control remained with Stalin and the Politburo. The promised rights were entirely ignored in practice, as the NKVD continued mass arrests and executions.
What earns the marks
- Identify the 1936 Constitution as a propaganda tool designed to present the USSR as a democratic nation.
- Explain the rights promised by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and universal suffrage.
- Contrast the promised rights with the reality of the Great Terror and the lack of genuine political opposition.
- Analyse the international motives behind the Constitution, specifically the desire to form alliances with Western democracies against fascism.
- Describe the structure of the new Supreme Soviet and how the Communist Party maintained absolute control over elections.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Believing the 1936 Constitution actually introduced democracy to the USSR.
Put it right: Emphasise that the Constitution was purely a propaganda exercise and the promised rights were never upheld.
Confusing the Supreme Soviet with a genuine parliament.
Put it right: Note that the Supreme Soviet only met briefly to rubber-stamp decisions already made by Stalin and the Politburo.
Ignoring the international context of the Constitution.
Put it right: Explain that Stalin wanted to improve the USSR's image abroad to secure allies against the growing threat of Nazi Germany.
Exam tips
- When discussing propaganda, use the 1936 Constitution as a prime example of how Stalin manipulated the truth to maintain control and project a positive image.
- Contrast the text of the Constitution with the events of the Great Purges to demonstrate the gap between Soviet rhetoric and reality.
- Remember to link the Constitution to foreign policy, showing how domestic propaganda served international goals.
Try the lesson
The start of the Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 3 Propaganda and censorship: The new Constitution of 1936. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was a key feature of the 1936 Soviet Constitution regarding elections?
Listen
The 1936 Constitution, often called the 'Stalin Constitution', was presented as the most democratic in the world, guaranteeing rights such as freedom of speech, religion, and the press, alongside employment and leisure. However, in reality, it was a piece of propaganda designed to mask the brutal reality of Stalin's dictatorship and the ongoing Great Terror. It aimed to impress foreign observers and secure international alliances against Nazi Germany. The Constitution created a new Supreme Soviet, but only Communist Party candidates could stand for election, ensuring total control remained with Stalin and the Politburo. The promised rights were entirely ignored in practice, as the NKVD continued mass arrests and executions. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Identify the 1936 Constitution as a propaganda tool designed to present the USSR as a democratic nation. Explain the rights promised by the Constitution, such as freedom of speech, religion, and universal suffrage. Contrast the promised rights with the reality of the Great Terror and the lack of genuine political opposition. Analyse the international motives behind the Constitution, specifically the desire to form alliances with Western democracies against fascism. A common slip: Believing the 1936 Constitution actually introduced democracy to the USSR. Instead, Emphasise that the Constitution was purely a propaganda exercise and the promised rights were never upheld. Exam tip: When discussing propaganda, use the 1936 Constitution as a prime example of how Stalin manipulated the truth to maintain control and project a positive image.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Option 30: Key topic 3: Stalin’s rise to power and dictatorship, 1924–41 - 3 Propaganda and censorship: The new Constitution of 1936.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge