AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AC), June 2025: Question 4

Mark scheme

Show the mark scheme

04 Describe two problems faced by Lenin after the October/November Revolution of 1917.

[4 marks]

The indicative content is designed to exemplify the qualities expected at each

level and is not a full exemplar answer. All historically relevant and valid

answers should be credited.

Target Demonstrate knowledge of the key features and characteristics of the

periods studied (AO1a)

Demonstrate understanding of the key features and characteristics of the

periods studied. (AO1b)

Level 2: Answers demonstrate knowledge and understanding 3–4

Students may progress from a simple demonstration of knowledge about the

issues identified with extended reasoning supported by understanding of, for

example, the ways in which events were problematic.

For example, one problem was that Lenin had to get Russia out of the war and

deliver the peace he had promised to the Russian people. The Germans

began to advance again in 1918 and so Lenin had to accept a very harsh

peace treaty.

Another problem was that the Bolsheviks only had support from certain groups

in society and so they did not win a majority in the elections to the new

Constituent Assembly. The Socialist Revolutionaries were the biggest party

when the Assembly opened in 1918.

Level 1: Answers demonstrate knowledge 1–2

Students demonstrate relevant knowledge about the issue(s) identified which

might be related.

For example, Lenin had to win the Civil War against the Whites.

Students either submit no evidence or fail to address the question 0

How to answer it

Lenin's Problems After the October/November Revolution

What this question tests

This question assesses your knowledge and understanding of key features and characteristics of the historical period (AO1a and AO1b). You need to identify specific problems faced by Lenin and the Bolsheviks immediately after taking power in late 1917, and explain *why* or *how* they were problematic.

AQA GCSE History • [4 Marks]

Exam Breakdown & Model Content

💡 Key Knowledge (Valid Problems)

World War I: Russia was still involved in WWI, causing massive casualties, economic ruin, and anger among the population.
Opposition / Constituent Assembly: The Bolsheviks did not win a majority in the Constituent Assembly elections (losing to the Socialist Revolutionaries) and faced widespread political opposition.
Threat of Civil War: Anti-Bolshevik groups (White armies, political rivals) began organizing armed opposition to overthrow the new government.
Economic Collapse: Severe food shortages, inflation, and disruption to industry inherited from the Provisional Government.

🧠 Exam Technique (How to get Level 2: 3–4 Marks)

To secure top marks, do not just list two bullet points. Use the "Identify + Explain" structure for each of your two points:

Step 1: Identify a clear problem (e.g., continuing war with Germany).
Step 2: Add extended reasoning/understanding (e.g., explain that the Bolsheviks had promised "Peace", but when German troops advanced in 1918, Lenin was forced to sign the harsh Treaty of Brest-Litovsk).

✅ Example Full-Mark Answer

"One problem faced by Lenin was getting Russia out of World War I to deliver the 'peace' promised to the people. Because German troops advanced in 1918, Lenin was forced to accept a very harsh peace treaty (Brest-Litovsk) which lost Russia vast amounts of land and resources.

Another problem was a lack of popular democratic support. The Bolsheviks failed to win a majority in the Constituent Assembly elections held in early 1918, where the Socialist Revolutionaries emerged as the biggest party, leading to political tension."

Examiner Note: Clear identification of two valid problems supported by accurate historical detail and reasoning, easily achieving Level 2 (3–4 marks).

❌ Common Errors to Avoid

Listing without explaining: Writing just two short sentences (e.g., "WWI was a problem. The Civil War was a problem.") will typically restrict you to Level 1 (1–2 marks).
Chronology confusion: Confusing the problems of 1917/1918 with later problems like the 1921 Famine or Stalin's industrialisation struggles. Stick strictly to the immediate post-October revolution context.

Topics

Paper 1 AC Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism · Part two: Lenin's new society