The Death of Stalin 1953

Question 1

When did Stalin die

Answer 1

March 1953

Question 2

How long had Stalin ruled for

Answer 2

Almost 30 years

Question 3

What was life like under Stalin

Answer 3

1. Lost Freedom - lost the right to criticise the government, Newspapers were censored, non-communists put in jail, travel to theWest forbidden, protests crushed with violence
2. Wealth - Eastern European Countries recovered but wages fell as goods were funnelled to the USSR
3. Consumer Goods - Goods such as radios, kettles and televisions were unavailable. Economies were geared towards helping the USSR and not helping the people.

Question 4

How did things change under Khrushchev

Answer 4

1. Closed down Cominform
2. Released political prisoners
3. Compromised more on protests

Question 5

How did Khrushchev differ in policy from Stalin

Answer 5

1. De-Stalinisation speech in 1956
2. He attempted better relations with the West