By the end of 1917 a Bolshevik dictatorship had been established. 'Lenin introduced the New Economic Policy (NEP) because of the Kronstadt Rising.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

Level 5: Explains both sides and supports a valid judgement on 'how far'. 10 marks

One explanation or more on each side.
- There was hardship across Russia with a lot of people suffering. However, what made Lenin realise there was a serious problem was the rising. It was by sailors who supported the Bolsheviks. This made Lenin realise that if his own supporters were rising up against him, there must be a serious problem.

Level 4: Explains both sides. 7-9 marks
For candidates to be awarded this level they must have one explanation on each side.

Seven marks for one explanation on each side; one additional mark for each additional explanation on either side.

Level 3: Explains one side. 4-6 marks
One Level 3 mark for each explanation.
- Lenin did introduce it because of Kronstadt. In 1921 sailors at Kronstad Naval Base rose up in mutiny. This was because they thought that Bolshevik policies were making life very hard for the Russian people. They wanted elections, free speech and more food for the peasants. This made Lenin realise that he had to compromise and he passed reforms that allowed small factories to be privately owned and trading with other countries to resume.
OR
- It was caused by more than just the rising. War Communism had been very harsh for many people. Peasants had to hand over their surplus fooc to the government, discipline in factories was strict and strikers were shot People were suffering from great hardship. Peasants were refusing to cooperate in producing more food and there were food shortages and ir 1921 famine. There was widespread unrest, and this was why Lenin introduced the NEP - to make people's lives a little easier and to provide more food.
Level 2: Identifies or describes valid points; addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- The sailors had been supporters of the Bolsheviks.
- Trouble might have spread to other military bases.
- The rising was against the harsh conditions at the time.
- The rising was a serious threat to Lenin.
- The peasants were suffering very badly.
- There was unrest in several parts of Russia.
- War Communism had been very hard on the people.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- The NEP was a new policy introduced by Lenin and it surprised a lot of people because it seemed to go against Bolshevik beliefs. However, Lenin thought it was needed at that time.

Accept all valid responses.
Level 0: No creditable response. 0 marks