Access to History: Stalin's Russia 1924-53 4th Edition

Book excerpt: The Access to History series is the most popular and trusted series for AS and A level history students. The new editions combine all the strengths of this well-loved series with a new design and features that allow all students access to the content and study skills needed to achieve exam success. This is a new edition of the bestselling title 'Bolshevik and Stalinist Russia 1918-56' which now focuses on the period from 1924-53. It has been revised and fully updated for the 2008 AS specifications for Edexcel and AQA, providing both a narrative and an analysis of the impact of Stalin's leadership on the USSR. It examines Stalin's rise to power following Lenin's death in 1924, the nature of his rule, the economic changes he brought about and his foreign policies. Finally, a concluding chapter focuses on what life was like in Stalinist Russia. Throughout the book, key dates, terms and issues are highlighted, and historical interpretations of key debates are outlined. Summary diagrams are included to consolidate knowledge and understanding of the period, and exam-style questions and tips written by examiners for each specification provide the opportunity to develop exam skills.