Discuss the causes and consequences of Stalin’s purges up to 1953.

Candidates are required to offer a considered and balanced review of the reasons for and the impact of the various purges in Russia. The focus is likely to be on the purges of the 1930s, although some candidates may mention the post-Second World War period up until 1953. Candidates may refer to different historical interpretations of the purges. Some historians argue that purges were used to maintain Stalin’s power, others that the purges were a traditional Russian response to threats. Others still, argue that the NKVD and the Party in local areas spiralled out of control. Consequences could include the weakening of the Soviet armed forces and the fact that Stalin remained unchallenged as ruler until his death. For the wider population, the consequences were that millions suffered and a society that feared to question the party developed.