AQA GCSE History Paper 1 (1AC), June 2025: Question 6
12 marks · Hard difficulty · Extended Response
Explain whether economic problems or political problems were the main reason why Tsarist Russia was difficult to rule before 1914, referencing both bullet points.
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Question text
06 Which of the following was the main reason why Tsarist Russia was difficult to rule
before 1914:
• economic problems
• political problems?
Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points.
[12 marks]
Mark scheme
Show the mark scheme
06 Which of the following was the main reason why Tsarist Russia was difficult to rule before
1914:
• economic problems
• political problems?
Explain your answer with reference to both bullet points.
[12 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 Explain and analyse historical events and periods studied using second-
order concepts (AO2:6)
Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the key features and
characteristics of the period studied (AO1:6)
Examiners are reminded that AO1 and AO2 are regarded as interdependent
and when deciding on a level should be considered together. When
establishing a mark within a level, examiners should reward three marks for
strong performance in both assessment objectives; two marks may be
achieved by strong performance in either AO1 or AO2 and one mark should be
rewarded for weak performance within the level in both assessment objectives.
Level 4: Complex explanation of both bullets leading to a sustained judgement 10–12
Answer demonstrates a range of accurate and detailed knowledge and
understanding that is relevant to the question.
Extends Level 3
Students may progress from a developed explanation of change by complex
explanation of the relationship between causes supported by factual
knowledge and understanding and arriving at a sustained judgement.
For example, both sets of problems worked in combination to make Tsarist
Russia difficult to rule. In combination they accounted for the dissatisfaction of
every layer of Russian society. The middle-class section of society wanted to
take political control of the country and found support amongst other social–– –
classes in both towns and countryside who were desperate for a solution to
their economic problems.
Level 3: Developed explanation of both bullets 7–9
Answer demonstrates a range of accurate knowledge and understanding
that is relevant to the question
Extends Level 2.
Students may progress from a simple explanation of change with extended
reasoning supported by developed factual knowledge and understanding.
For example, economic problems developed throughout Tsar Nicholas’ reign
as inefficient farming and poor-quality land kept peasants trapped in appalling
conditions. It was the same for industrial workers in Moscow and St 11
Petersburg who endured bad living and working conditions. The reforms of
Stolypin were of little benefit to either agriculture or industry, so the economy
was weak with low wages and high unemployment.
For example, political problems existed because organised groups such as the
Socialist Revolutionaries believed revolution was the solution to Russia’s
problems. In 1905, the Tsar was faced with a massive protest in
St Petersburg. The political concessions granted in the 1905 October
Manifesto did not fully satisfy the demands for reform.
Level 2: Simple explanation of bullet(s) 4–6
Answer demonstrates specific knowledge and understanding that is
relevant to the question
Students may progress from a basic explanation of change by using simple
reasoning and supporting it with factual knowledge and understanding.
For example, it was hard for the Tsar to rule Russia before the first World War
because when he created a parliament the deputies were openly critical of him.
The Duma wanted more democracy in Russia but the Tsar believed in
autocracy.
Level 1: Basic explanation of bullet(s) 1–3
Answer demonstrates basic knowledge and understanding that is
relevant to the question.
Students recognise and provide a basic explanation of one/both bullet points.
For example, most of the Russian people were poor peasants who were
unhappy with the Tsar and supported revolutionary groups.
Students either submit no evidence or fail to address the question 0
How to answer it
Tsarist Russia: Economic vs Political Problems (12 Marks)
This 12-mark essay question assesses your ability to explain and analyse historical events using second-order concepts (AO2) combined with accurate factual knowledge and understanding of the period (AO1). You must evaluate both bullet points (economic and political problems) and reach a supported, complex judgement on which was the main reason why Tsarist Russia was difficult to rule before 1914.
Question 06 Overview
AQA GCSE History (Conflict and Tension / Russia Depth Study)
💡 Key Knowledge: Economic Problems
- Agriculture: Inefficient farming, strip-farming methods, and poor-quality land kept millions of peasants trapped in severe poverty and recurring famines.
- Industrialisation: Rapid industrial growth under finance ministers like Witte created overcrowded cities (e.g. Moscow, St Petersburg) with abysmal living and working conditions.
- Failed Reforms: Stolypin's agricultural reforms (kulaks) did little to immediately alleviate the widespread misery of the peasantry.
💡 Key Knowledge: Political Problems
- Autocracy: Tsar Nicholas II stubbornly clung to absolute power, refusing to share meaningful authority with elected bodies.
- Opposition Groups: Radical groups like the Social Revolutionaries and Social Democrats (Bolsheviks/Mensheviks) actively agitated for revolution.
- 1905 Revolution & Duma: The 1905 uprising forced the October Manifesto, but the resulting Dumas were frequently sidelined or dissolved when they criticised autocracy.
Exam Technique & Achieving Level 4 (10–12 Marks)
🧠 Structuring Your Response
- Introduction: Briefly state your line of argument (e.g., while economic misery drove popular discontent, political autocracy was the root problem because it prevented peaceful reform).
- Paragraph 1 (Economic): Explain how peasant poverty, famine, and brutal industrial conditions alienated the vast majority of the population.
- Paragraph 2 (Political): Explain how the Tsar's refusal to grant genuine democracy and the rise of revolutionary parties threatened the regime.
- Conclusion/Synthesis (Level 4): Link them together. Show how economic and political problems worked in combination—poverty fuelled political radicalism, creating an explosive mixture that made autocracy unworkable.
❌ Common Errors to Avoid
- Ignoring one bullet point: Writing exclusively about politics or economics automatically caps your mark at Level 2 (max 6 marks). You must address both.
- Descriptive narrative: Telling the story of 1905 without explaining why it made Russia difficult to rule. Always tie facts back to the question ("This made Russia difficult to rule because...").
- Lack of judgement: Failing to weigh the two factors against each other to provide a sustained, overarching conclusion.
Topics
Paper 1 AC Russia, 1894–1945: Tsardom and communism · Part one: The end of Tsardom
Question and mark scheme from the AQA GCSE History examination, Paper 1 (1AC), June 2025. QuestionVault is an independent revision resource; questions remain the copyright of the awarding body.