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Organisms respond to changes in their internal and external environments (a-level only)
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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
World war two & the holocaust
2n revolution and dictatorship: russia, 1917-1953
2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
World war one
Britain: 1509 -1745
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History
7 Dec 2025
218
1 page
Niamh R @belro2967
Lenin's leadership after the November Revolution 1917 remains one of history's most debated topics. Whilst he achieved some... Show more
You've probably heard Lenin described as a revolutionary hero, but the reality of his leadership reveals a much more complex and troubling picture. His regime introduced levels of oppression that went far beyond what even the Tsars had implemented.
The Cheka became Lenin's instrument of terror under Dzerzhinsky's ruthless leadership. This secret police abandoned any pretence of legal process - they didn't need evidence or proof to execute "enemies of the revolution." The brutal murder of the innocent Romanov family in Ekaterinburg perfectly exemplifies how Lenin's regime targeted anyone seen as a threat, regardless of their actual guilt.
Lenin's labour camps housed political prisoners, uncooperative peasants, and White Army prisoners of war. Hunger and torture became routine tools of control. This Red Terror wasn't just about eliminating opposition - it was about creating a climate of fear that would ensure absolute Bolshevik rule.
However, Lenin did achieve some significant victories. His forces won the Russian Civil War (1918-1921) against the White Army, largely thanks to Trotsky's military leadership and the Whites' own disunity. The Decree on Peace in October 1917 successfully ended Russia's involvement in World War One, whilst the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly secured Bolshevik power.
Key Point Lenin famously said "The point is not to eliminate terror but to legitimise it" - this quote reveals his true approach to leadership.
The failure of War Communism ultimately exposes Lenin's limitations as a leader. His grain requisitioning policies created devastating famines that killed millions of Russians. When one in five people were starving according to Pravda, Lenin had to accept American aid to feed 10 million Russians - hardly the mark of successful economic leadership. The fact that he had to abandon War Communism for the New Economic Policy (NEP) shows he couldn't sustain his original vision.
Perhaps most tellingly, Lenin failed to establish a clear succession plan. The factional fighting between Stalin, Trotsky, and others after his death created the power vacuum that allowed Stalin's brutal dictatorship to emerge. This suggests that whatever short-term successes Lenin achieved, his long-term impact on Russia was catastrophic.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Explore the pivotal reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev, including glasnost and perestroika, and their impact on the economic and political landscape of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991. This summary highlights the reasons behind the Soviet Union's collapse, addressing key concepts such as nationalism, economic decline, and the end of the Cold War.
HistoryExplore the evolution of political governance in Russia from the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861 to the establishment of the Soviet regime. This summary covers key reforms by Tsars Alexander II and III, the introduction of the Zemstva and Duma, and the impact of the October Revolution and Civil War. Ideal for students studying Russian history, this resource highlights significant changes in local government, the role of the secret police, and the dynamics of autocracy and democracy. Type: Summary.
HistoryExplore the complexities of Lenin's rule in Russia, including the transition from War Communism to the New Economic Policy (NEP), the role of the Cheka, and the suppression of political opposition. This summary covers key events and ideologies that shaped Lenin's leadership during the Russian Civil War and beyond, making it essential for A-Level students studying Russia and its rulers.
HistoryExplore the effectiveness of Bolshevik opposition to the Provisional Government during the Russian Revolutions of 1917. This summary covers key events such as the Kornilov Affair, the July Days, and the October Revolution, highlighting Lenin's leadership and the role of the Petrograd Soviet. Ideal for A-level History students seeking to understand the dynamics of revolutionary politics in Russia.
HistoryQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Niamh R
@belro2967
Lenin's leadership after the November Revolution 1917 remains one of history's most debated topics. Whilst he achieved some remarkable political victories, his methods came at an enormous human cost that raises serious questions about his overall success as a leader.
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You've probably heard Lenin described as a revolutionary hero, but the reality of his leadership reveals a much more complex and troubling picture. His regime introduced levels of oppression that went far beyond what even the Tsars had implemented.
The Cheka became Lenin's instrument of terror under Dzerzhinsky's ruthless leadership. This secret police abandoned any pretence of legal process - they didn't need evidence or proof to execute "enemies of the revolution." The brutal murder of the innocent Romanov family in Ekaterinburg perfectly exemplifies how Lenin's regime targeted anyone seen as a threat, regardless of their actual guilt.
Lenin's labour camps housed political prisoners, uncooperative peasants, and White Army prisoners of war. Hunger and torture became routine tools of control. This Red Terror wasn't just about eliminating opposition - it was about creating a climate of fear that would ensure absolute Bolshevik rule.
However, Lenin did achieve some significant victories. His forces won the Russian Civil War (1918-1921) against the White Army, largely thanks to Trotsky's military leadership and the Whites' own disunity. The Decree on Peace in October 1917 successfully ended Russia's involvement in World War One, whilst the dissolution of the Constituent Assembly secured Bolshevik power.
Key Point: Lenin famously said "The point is not to eliminate terror but to legitimise it" - this quote reveals his true approach to leadership.
The failure of War Communism ultimately exposes Lenin's limitations as a leader. His grain requisitioning policies created devastating famines that killed millions of Russians. When one in five people were starving according to Pravda, Lenin had to accept American aid to feed 10 million Russians - hardly the mark of successful economic leadership. The fact that he had to abandon War Communism for the New Economic Policy (NEP) shows he couldn't sustain his original vision.
Perhaps most tellingly, Lenin failed to establish a clear succession plan. The factional fighting between Stalin, Trotsky, and others after his death created the power vacuum that allowed Stalin's brutal dictatorship to emerge. This suggests that whatever short-term successes Lenin achieved, his long-term impact on Russia was catastrophic.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
5
Smart Tools NEW
Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the pivotal reforms of Mikhail Gorbachev, including glasnost and perestroika, and their impact on the economic and political landscape of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991. This summary highlights the reasons behind the Soviet Union's collapse, addressing key concepts such as nationalism, economic decline, and the end of the Cold War.
HistoryExplore the evolution of political governance in Russia from the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861 to the establishment of the Soviet regime. This summary covers key reforms by Tsars Alexander II and III, the introduction of the Zemstva and Duma, and the impact of the October Revolution and Civil War. Ideal for students studying Russian history, this resource highlights significant changes in local government, the role of the secret police, and the dynamics of autocracy and democracy. Type: Summary.
HistoryExplore the complexities of Lenin's rule in Russia, including the transition from War Communism to the New Economic Policy (NEP), the role of the Cheka, and the suppression of political opposition. This summary covers key events and ideologies that shaped Lenin's leadership during the Russian Civil War and beyond, making it essential for A-Level students studying Russia and its rulers.
HistoryExplore the effectiveness of Bolshevik opposition to the Provisional Government during the Russian Revolutions of 1917. This summary covers key events such as the Kornilov Affair, the July Days, and the October Revolution, highlighting Lenin's leadership and the role of the Petrograd Soviet. Ideal for A-level History students seeking to understand the dynamics of revolutionary politics in Russia.
HistoryQuotes from every main character
English LiteratureApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology