Discuss the political and economic impact of the Great Patriotic War (1941–1945) in the Soviet Union.

The question requires that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the political and economic impact of the Great Patriotic War in the Soviet Union. Candidates may discuss the immediate impact the war had on politics in reinforcing Stalin’s power and contributing to the escalation of terror. Candidates may refer to the use of coercion, censorship and mass deportations during the war years. Regarding the economic impact, candidates may refer to the massive losses and material damage caused by the war, the partial destruction of cities and towns, industrial establishments, railways, hospitals and schools. Candidates may also discuss the loss of livestock and problems in the agricultural system caused by the scorched earth tactics. Candidates may offer equal coverage of political and economic impacts, or they may prioritize their discussion of one of them. However, both aspects will be a feature of the response. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates offer a considered and balanced review of the political and economic impact of the Great Patriotic War (1941-1945) in the Soviet Union. Relatively few responses were seen to this question. Weaker candidates tended to lose focus on impact in the Soviet Union and gave generalized descriptions of the advent of the Cold War.