Stalin changed the Soviet Union in many ways. Why was the First Five-Year Plan important to Stalin?

Level 4: Explains two reasons. 6 marks
Level 3: Explains one reason. 4-5 marks
Four marks for one explanation, five marks for explanation supported by specific contextual knowledge.
- It was important to Stalin because he wanted to make the USSR a strong country that could stand up to capitalist countries in times of war. The First World War had shown that Russia was not equipped to fight a modern war. This could put the USSR and communism in danger. Resources such as steel and iron were needed to make guns and military equipment.

Level 2: Identifies or describes valid reason(s); addresses the question but does not explain. 2-3 marks

One Level 2 mark for each identification/description.
- He wanted to modernise the USSR.
- He wanted to make the USSR stronger militarily.
- He wanted to protect communism.
- Stalin wanted the USSR to be self-sufficient.
- His personal reputation depended on it.
- It would give him a power base of industrial workers.
- He wanted to move away from the NEP because it was not communist.

Level 1: Writes about the topic but does not address the question. 1 mark
- Stalin introduced the Five-Year Plan because he thought it was important for Russia. He realised that a lot of changes were needed.

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