Controlling the Country and Preparing for War

Question 1

What year did Hitler occupy Czechoslovakia?

Answer 1

1939

Question 2

What years was Germany re-arming?

Answer 2

1933-35

Question 3

Factors to consider when discussing how Stalinism prepared the USSR for war.

Answer 3

1. Collectivisation.
2. Rapid industrialisation.
3. Terror - purges of army, purges of Party.
4. Cult of personality and propaganda.

Question 4

Why did a cult of personality develop around Stalin?

Answer 4

1. He was a replacement for religion - made himself appear God-like
2. The country was disorientated and confused - Stalin was a figure of stability and Tsar-like strength.
3. The country felt under attack from internal and external threats - Stalin became a father figure and protector of the people.
4. Stalin rewrote history to give himself a greater role.

Question 5

Ways Stalin controlled the country.

Answer 5

1. Propaganda (creates a cult of personality)
2. Terror.
3. People were genuinely enthusiastic.

Question 6

Why did Stalin feel threatened by foreign powers?

Answer 6

1. 1927 war scare.
2. High command plot.
3. German foreign policy.
4. Appeasement.