Gorbachev and the downfall of Soviet communism, 1985–91: Edexcel A‑Level History questions
Every Edexcel A-Level History exam question on Gorbachev and the downfall of Soviet communism, 1985–91, 2017–2025, with its mark scheme and examiner’s report.
All 6 questions on Gorbachev and the downfall of Soviet communism, 1985–91, as a list
June 2024, Paper 38.1, Q4 (20 marks): To what extent was the collapse of Soviet communism in 1991 due to factors beyond Gorbachev’s control?
June 2023, Paper 38.1, Q4 (20 marks): To what extent was economic stagnation in the USSR the reason for the introduction of Gorbachev’s reform programme?
June 2022, Paper 38.1, Q4 (20 marks): To what extent was Boris Yeltsin responsible for the failure of Gorbachev’s attempts to modernise the USSR in the years 1985–91?
October 2020, Paper 38.1, Q1 (20 marks): Study Source 1 in the Sources Booklet before you answer this question. 1 Assess the value of the source for revealing the scale of the alcohol problem in the 19
June 2019, Paper 38.1, Q4 (20 marks): ‘The major cause of the downfall of Soviet communism by 1991 was the impact of the Afghanistan war.’ How far do you agree with this statement?
June 2017, Paper 38.1, Q1 (20 marks): Study Source 1 in the Sources Booklet before you answer this question. 1 Assess the value of the source for revealing the reasons for the launch of Gorbachev’s
plumi