Stalin Vs Lenin - Education

Question 1

What was set up by Lenin which he believed was crucial in building the socialist society?
What did it aim to deliver?

Answer 1

The Commissariat of Enlightenment

- It provided free education at all levels of coeducational schools

Question 2

What changes were made to the school system during the 1920s?

Answer 2

Textbooks were abolished

Physical punishment was outlawed

Freedom, creativity and individualism was encouraged

Question 3

How did Stalin revert Lenin’s liberal stance on education?

Answer 3

Physical work was prioritised over academic teaching as control over education was transferred to the collective farms

Under Lenin a high proportion of working class students were given places in schools, however Stalin reintroduced selection in 1935

Question 4

What happened to universities?

Answer 4

They were out under the control of the Veshenka because Stalin considered them as a vehicle to deliver economic growth

Question 5

How were teachers treated under Stalin?

Answer 5

There were strict and ambitious targets. If teachers failed to meet targets they could be purged

Question 6

Was Stalin’s approach to education successful?

Answer 6

By 1941, 94% of of those aged 9 - 49 were literate in towns and 86% were literate in the countryside