Introduction and Contextualization

Introduction

The Russian Revolution, which took place in the 20th century (1917), was a milestone in world history that resulted in the fall of the Russian autocracy and the rise of the world's first socialist state. This project will focus on the two main leaders of this process: Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. Each of them played a critical and distinct role in the formation of the Soviet Union and the course of Russian history.

Lenin led the Bolshevik movement that overthrew the provisional government in November 1917 and established socialism. He postulated the need for a proletarian revolution to overthrow the bourgeoisie and establish a workers' state.

Stalin, who ruled after Lenin's death, is known for the cult of personality and the authoritarian system he established. He transformed the Soviet Union from a predominantly agrarian nation into a global industrial superpower.

Contextualization

The Russian Revolution and the subsequent formation of the Soviet Union were events that profoundly changed global politics, economic development, and class struggle. The ideas and practices of Lenin and Stalin continue to be studied and debated worldwide. Understanding their policies, strategies, and ideologies is crucial to understanding the history of the 20th century and contemporary conflicts.

Studying leaders like Lenin and Stalin can provide valuable insights into leadership, power, ideology, and even human nature. Furthermore, by examining their actions and consequences, we can reflect on broader issues such as the role of the individual in history, the merits and dangers of concentrated power, the complexities of political economy, and the ethical limits in pursuing political goals.

Activity

Title: The Lenin-Stalin Dichotomy: The Russian Revolution through its leadership

Project Objective

This project aims to provide students with the opportunity to explore in depth the political, economic, and social scenario of the Russian Revolution, focusing especially on the profiles of the leaders Vladimir Lenin and Joseph Stalin. Additionally, it aims to develop students' research, collaboration, critical thinking, and writing skills.

Detailed Project Description

In groups of 3 to 5, students will recreate a series of televised debates covering the period of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist government. Each group member will play a specific character - whether a revolutionary leader, a worker, an aristocrat, an intellectual, among others - and adopt their perspectives when discussing a series of key issues.

It is worth noting that the focus of the debate is not simply to reproduce the facts, but to explore the ideas and ideologies, leadership tactics, economic policies, social repercussions, and actions of Lenin and Stalin during the Russian Revolution and their respective governments.

Required Materials

• Computer with Internet access for research
• History books for reference
• Camera or cellphone to record the debates

Step-by-Step Guide for the Activity

1. Group Formation: Students will be divided into groups of 3 to 5 members.

2. Research: Each group will spend approximately two weeks researching the life, actions, policies, and ideology of Lenin and Stalin. They should also research the main events of the Russian Revolution and the subsequent Stalinist government.

3. Debate Preparation: Based on the research, each group should prepare a script for 3 debates. Each debate should have a different focus (e.g. Lenin's role in the Revolution, Stalin's economic policies, comparison between Lenin and Stalin).

4. Debate Recording: The debates will be recorded. Each student should assume a specific character and represent their perspectives during the debate.

5. Analysis and Reflection: After the debates are completed and watched, students should reflect on the views and actions of Lenin and Stalin and on the dynamics of the Russian Revolution.

6. Report Preparation: Each group will prepare a written report explaining in detail the project steps, presenting and discussing the results obtained, indicating the methodology used, and finally, drawing conclusions about the project.

Project Submission

At the end of the project, each group must submit:

1. The Debate Videos: These will be shared with the class and will form the basis for discussion in the classroom.

2. The Report: They must follow the suggested format (Introduction, Development, Conclusions, and Bibliography used).

   • In the Introduction, students should contextualize the Russian Revolution and the importance of Lenin and Stalin in this event.
   • In Development, students should detail the characters they represented, the debates that took place, and the results of these debates.
   • In Conclusions, students should reflect on the process and what they learned about the Russian Revolution and its leaders.
   • In the Bibliography, students should list all the research sources used during the project.