“Lenin was able to consolidate power by 1924 because of his use of force.” To what extent do you agree with this statement?

The question requires that the candidates consider the merits of the statement with reference to Lenin’s consolidation of power. Responses may refer to Lenin’s willingness to use force at crucial times. Evidence could include the closing of the Constituent Assembly, the Red Terror, the deaths of the Imperial family, the quelling of the 1921 Kronstadt rebellion and the setting up of the one-party state by 1922. Bolshevik victory in the Civil War also aided the consolidation of power. Others may argue that Lenin’s policies also ensured the consolidation of Bolshevik power, for example, the Decrees on Peace and Land were very popular. War Communism helped ensure Bolshevik victory in the Civil War. Lenin’s adaptability was also an important factor, he introduced the NEP to end widespread protests against War Communism. Some may conclude that the consolidation of power resulted from a combination of the use of force and of popular policies. Candidates’ opinions or conclusions will be presented clearly and supported by appropriate evidence.

The question required that candidates consider the merits or otherwise of the statement that Lenin was able to consolidate power by 1924 because of his use of force. This was a popular question. There were some excellent responses with detailed, relevant knowledge provided. Stronger candidates were also able to weigh the importance of the use of force against that of other factors, e.g., popular policies, in his consolidation of power. Weaker responses tended to give a narrative of the events of 1917 and the reasons for the February and October Revolutions.