To what extent were Stalin’s policies a direct attempt to protect Russia from the threat of another World War?

To what extent were Stalin’s policies a direct attempt to protect Russia from the threat of another World War?

In the longer-term, the experience of World War One and the ensuing civil war which followed in its wake was used by Stalin to justify radical actions to protect the country against future threats. The teacher will use this Online ActiveHistory Presentation to cover the following themes:

  • Stated objectives (WW1 as pretext) v. Real motives (WW1 as cause)
  • When? (Did his motives change?)
    • Long-term motives v. Short-term motives
  • What? (Does it depend which policy you look at?)
    • Different motives for policies like Industry, Agriculture, Politics, Military?
  • Who? (does it depend on who you are looking at?)
    • Different justifications offered to the party and to the people?