AQA
A-level
HISTORY
7042/1E
Component 1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and
Enlightenment, 1682–1796
Version: 1.0 Final
IB/M/Jun23/E5
... [Show More] 7042/1E
A-level
HISTORY
Component 1E Russia in the Age of Absolutism and Enlightenment,
1682–1796
Wednesday 24 May 2023 Morning Time allowed: 2 hours 30 minutes
Materials
For this paper you must have:
• an AQA 16-page answer book.
Instructions
• Use black ink or black ball-point pen.
• Write the information required on the front of your answer book. The Paper Reference is
7042/1E.
• Answer three questions.
In Section A answer Question 01.
In Section B answer two questions.
Information
• The marks for questions are shown in brackets.
• The maximum mark for this paper is 80.
• You will be marked on your ability to:
– use good English
– organise information clearly
– use specialist vocabulary where appropriate.
Advice
• You are advised to spend about:
– 1 hour on Question 01 from Section A
– 45 minutes on each of the two questions answered from Section B.
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IB/M/Jun23/7042/1E
Section A
Answer Question 01.
Extract A
The objectives of Russia’s foreign policy towards Turkey arose from its geographical and
political situation. The objectives were also influenced by traditional friendships and
enemies. To the south, Russia had been defending itself for centuries against the
Tatars of the Crimea. So, looked at from a Russian point of view, Catherine’s wars
against the Turks were the fulfilment of aims they had long had. The Treaty of
Kutschuk Kainardzhi in 1774 opened up vast areas of economic development in the
south of Russia. The annexation of the Crimea in 1783 was the final subordination of the
descendants of Genghis Khan. The annexation also allowed Russia to become a naval
power on the Black Sea. The peace of Jassy in 1791 consolidated Russian control of the
estuary of the Dnieper. This opened the way for the development of other major
Black Sea ports, such as Odessa. These Black Sea ports became outlets for the grain
trade. To this extent therefore, Catherine’s achievement was fully in line with traditional
Russian aims.
Adapted from I de Madariaga, Catherine the Great, 1990
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Extract B
In 1768, when Turkey declared war on Russia for violating its territories, Catherine had
been aiming to acquire a port on the Black Sea. Such a port would give Russia access
to the Mediterranean. By the Treaty of Kutschuk Kainardzhi in 1774, Catherine had more
than achieved her goals and had also succeeded in frightening all Europe with her
military might. However, a further goal, the ‘Greek Project’, gained momentum during the
following decade. This was Catherine’s dream of annexing Istanbul. The project may
never have been thought of as truly realistic but it tapped into Russian Orthodox beliefs
of Holy Russia. Her policy, however, was consistently opposed by her more enlightened
ministers. In spite of the spectacular victories promised by her favourite, Potemkin,
opposition to Catherine’s expansionist policies increased between 1774 and 1787.
Nobles and officials feared these policies would lead to another costly and unwanted war
with Turkey.
Adapted from V Aksan, Mobilization, Supply, and Command in the Russo-Turkish War of
1768–1774, 1993
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IB/M/Jun23/7042/1E Turn over ►
Extract C
When Turkey started the war with Russia in 1768, Catherine rejoiced in seizing the
opportunity that war offered. War was a sure means of helping to consolidate Russia’s
international position. War would relieve tension in a long-idle army. War would satisfy
the Russian army’s craving for ranks, trophies, and feats of heroism. War was a way to
ease the pressure of internal problems in the country as the failure to solve internal
problems could be blamed on external enemies. The Tsar could also be seen as a
glorious victor. In 1769 Voltaire called on Catherine to drive the Turks out of Europe and
to turn Constantinople into the capital of Russia. To Catherine, the south seemed to offer
limitless opportunities for opening up the Russian empire. Potemkin’s military
achievements combined well with rapid administrative, economic, and naval advances.
Catherine was filled with enthusiasm. She could, without boasting too much, write,
“Victories are something we are accustomed to.”
Adapted from E Anisimov, Five Empresses, 2004
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0 1 Using your understanding of the historical context, assess how convincing the
arguments in these three extracts are in relation to Catherine the Great’s policy
towards Turke [Show Less]