Explanation: The CPSU's foundational period aligns with the events of 1917, including the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the subsequent political transformations.

Explanation: After the Tsar's abdication, a dual-power structure emerged, comprising a provisional government and the nascent soviets (councils), rather than sole administration by the provisional government.

Explanation: Lenin's return marked a radical shift; he condemned the provisional government and called for an immediate end to the war and the transfer of power to the soviets.

Explanation: The Bolsheviks gained traction through clear, resonant slogans addressing immediate concerns such as peace, land, and bread, rather than solely through intricate economic theories.

Explanation: The fundamental split between the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks within the Russian Social Democratic Labour Party occurred at the Second Congress in 1903.

Explanation: The period after the February Revolution was characterized by a "dual power" arrangement between the Provisional Government and the Petrograd Soviet.

Explanation: Marxism-Leninism provided the theoretical and ideological basis for the CPSU's actions, policies, and justification for its ruling status.

Explanation: The NEP represented a system of state capitalism, allowing limited private enterprise and market mechanisms under the direction and control of the Communist Party to facilitate economic recovery.

Explanation: Democratic centralism mandated strict unity and discipline after a decision was reached; continued dissent was not permitted and could lead to expulsion from the party.

Explanation: Lenin's vanguard party theory emphasized the necessity of a disciplined, ideologically advanced group of revolutionaries to lead the working class, rather than the working class acting independently.

Explanation: From its early stages, the party statute, influenced by Lenin's theories, emphasized a centralized structure, with democratic centralism becoming a core principle governing internal party organization and discipline.

Explanation: As the official state ideology, Marxism-Leninism was promoted as the definitive and exclusive framework for understanding the world, leaving no room for competing ideological truths.

Explanation: The "dictatorship of the proletariat," as envisioned by Lenin, was a transitional phase involving the state's exercise of significant, often repressive, power to transform society and suppress counter-revolutionary forces.

Explanation: The "Socialism in One Country" doctrine argued for the feasibility of establishing socialism within the Soviet Union independently of global revolutionary success.

Explanation: The CPSU viewed "peaceful coexistence" as a continuation of the ideological and political struggle between socialism and capitalism in non-military domains, rather than a cessation of conflict.

Explanation: Marxism-Leninism, as interpreted by the CPSU, emphasized the primacy of collective interests and the subordination of individual rights to the goals of the party and the state.

Explanation: The "two camps" theory posited a world divided into opposing socialist and capitalist blocs, emphasizing inherent conflict and competition.

Explanation: The concept of the vanguard party, possessing superior ideological consciousness and representing the authentic interests of the proletariat, was central to the CPSU's justification for its exclusive political authority.

Explanation: The principle of democratic centralism, central to CPSU governance, required strict adherence to party decisions once made, prohibiting continued dissent.

Explanation: Marxism-Leninism constituted the foundational ideology of the CPSU, guiding its political theory and practice throughout its existence.

Explanation: The NEP was implemented to revive the Soviet economy through limited market mechanisms and private enterprise, under state supervision.

Explanation: Democratic centralism involved freedom of discussion prior to a decision, but mandated strict adherence and unity once a policy was adopted by the party leadership.

Explanation: Lenin argued that the vanguard party should consist of dedicated, disciplined revolutionaries, primarily intellectuals, possessing a high degree of political consciousness to lead the proletariat.

Explanation: Lenin viewed the dictatorship of the proletariat as a necessary stage involving state power to dismantle the old order and establish socialist structures.

Explanation: This doctrine asserted the Soviet Union's capacity to construct socialism within its own borders, irrespective of the progress of revolutions elsewhere.

Explanation: Peaceful coexistence was understood as a state where ideological and political competition persisted, but direct military confrontation was avoided.

Explanation: The CPSU justified its monopoly on power by positioning itself as a vanguard party, uniquely equipped to lead society based on its ideological correctness and representation of the proletariat's interests.

Explanation: Stalin consolidated power by promoting "Socialism in One Country," asserting the Soviet Union's ability to build socialism independently, contrasting with Leon Trotsky's advocacy for "permanent revolution."

Explanation: Stalin's "Second Revolution" entailed the implementation of state socialism, central planning, and the forced collectivization of agriculture, representing a move towards greater state control, not decentralization.

Explanation: The "Great Purge" encompassed a vast range of individuals, including political opponents, intellectuals, ethnic minorities, and perceived threats across various sectors of society, not solely military leadership.

Explanation: While the non-aggression pact was signed in 1939, Germany's invasion of the Soviet Union occurred in June 1941, not immediately following the pact's signing.

Explanation: Following the Comintern's dissolution, the CPSU continued to engage actively in international affairs, focusing on establishing communist influence in Eastern Europe and managing geopolitical relations.

Explanation: Stalin's theory of "Socialism in One Country" was instrumental in his consolidation of power, arguing for the possibility of building socialism within the Soviet Union alone.

Explanation: The "Second Revolution" marked the era of rapid industrialization through five-year plans and the forced collectivization of agriculture, establishing state socialism and central planning.

Explanation: The Great Purge was a widespread campaign of political repression that affected a vast number of people across various societal strata.

Explanation: In August 1939, the Soviet Union concluded a non-aggression pact with Nazi Germany, known as the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

Explanation: Khrushchev's "Thaw" represented a move away from the extreme terror of the Stalin era, involving de-Stalinization and a reduction in political repression, although not a complete elimination of state control.

Explanation: While Khrushchev's policies aimed to improve living standards, they did not fundamentally resolve the underlying structural inefficiencies of the Soviet economy, and many reforms ultimately proved unsuccessful in the long term.

Explanation: The Brezhnev era is widely known as the "Era of Stagnation" due to its hallmark of stagnant economic growth, bureaucratic inertia, and a lack of political liberalization.

Explanation: Stagnant economic growth in the 1980s was largely attributed to factors such as the burden of the arms race, inefficiencies in the command economy, and underinvestment in technology and consumer goods, not excessive spending on consumer goods.

Explanation: The 20th Party Congress marked a pivotal moment with Khrushchev's delivery of the "Secret Speech," which critically assessed and condemned the excesses and crimes committed under Stalin's rule.

Explanation: The "trust in cadres" policy fostered stability by retaining established officials, which contributed to a gerontocracy and a lack of dynamism, rather than promoting young reformers.

Explanation: The "Thaw" signified a period of reduced political repression and a critical re-evaluation of Stalin's legacy, including the denunciation of his cult of personality and crimes.

Explanation: Khrushchev's tenure was marked by significant foreign policy challenges, including the ideological and political rift with China and ongoing tensions with Western nations.

Explanation: The Brezhnev period was characterized by economic slowdown, bureaucratic ossification, and the dominance of aging leaders, leading to the designation "Era of Stagnation."

Explanation: The 20th Congress is historically significant for Khrushchev's "Secret Speech," which initiated the process of de-Stalinization by denouncing Stalin's personality cult and repressive actions.

Explanation: This policy prioritized stability and loyalty within the party leadership, resulting in an aging leadership structure and hindering necessary reforms and dynamism.

Explanation: Following the failed August 1991 coup attempt, the CPSU's activities were suspended, and it was officially banned in Russia on November 6, 1991.

Explanation: Gorbachev's reforms of "perestroika" and "glasnost" were intended to revitalize the Soviet system and economy, which ultimately led to a loosening of party control and unintended democratization.

Explanation: The policy of "glasnost" allowed for greater transparency and public expression, which brought long-suppressed societal issues to the forefront and eroded the CPSU's monopoly on information and authority.

Explanation: Conservative factions within the party, represented by figures like Yegor Ligachev, actively resisted Gorbachev's reformist policies, leading to significant internal conflict and division.

Explanation: The introduction of contested elections and the formation of the Congress of People's Deputies significantly challenged the CPSU's authority by allowing for greater political pluralism and opposition.

Explanation: The CPSU's political monopoly was formally removed in March 1990 through a decision by the Supreme Soviet, a move that transformed the political landscape and paved the way for multi-party competition.

Explanation: The failed coup attempt by hardline elements within the party significantly weakened the central government's authority and accelerated the process leading to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Explanation: Chinese Communist Party critiques identified the rigidity of the "Stalin-Soviet Socialist Model" and the inadequacy of subsequent reforms as key factors contributing to the CPSU's collapse.

Explanation: Mikhail Gorbachev was indeed elected as the first and sole President of the Soviet Union in March 1990.

Explanation: The 19th Party Conference was significant for endorsing reforms that allowed for multi-candidate elections, thereby initiating a process of democratization within the Soviet political system.

Explanation: The failed coup attempt by hardline elements in August 1991 was a primary catalyst leading to the subsequent ban on the CPSU's activities in Russia.

Explanation: Perestroika and glasnost were Gorbachev's key initiatives aimed at reforming and modernizing the Soviet system, addressing economic stagnation and political rigidity.

Explanation: Glasnost allowed for the expression of long-suppressed grievances and criticisms, which contributed to increased public mobilization and a weakening of the party's centralized control.

Explanation: Yegor Ligachev was a prominent member of the conservative opposition within the CPSU who voiced strong criticism of Gorbachev's reformist policies.

Explanation: The CPD, elected through more open procedures, became a forum for political debate and criticism, thereby challenging the CPSU's traditional dominance.

Explanation: The Supreme Soviet voted to amend Article 6 of the Soviet Constitution, thereby abolishing the CPSU's constitutionally guaranteed monopoly on political power.

Explanation: While perestroika was a reform effort, its incomplete or destabilizing effects contributed to the context of collapse, but its 'successful implementation' is not cited as a direct cause for dissolution; rather, the failures and consequences of the reforms were.

Explanation: The 19th Party Conference approved significant political reforms, including the introduction of contested elections for the Congress of People's Deputies.

Explanation: Western analyses often conclude that Gorbachev's reforms, while intended to reform the system, inadvertently weakened the CPSU's authority and contributed to the eventual destabilization and dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Explanation: The renaming of the party in 1925 coincided with the formal creation of the USSR, signifying a broader, multi-republican structure rather than a purely Russian entity.

Explanation: While the CPSU aimed for collective leadership, its history included periods dominated by strong personality cults, most notably under Joseph Stalin, although ultimate power remained concentrated within the party apparatus.

Explanation: The Politburo (and its predecessor, the Presidium) served as the primary decision-making body between sessions of the Party Congress and the Central Committee, handling most day-to-day political and administrative matters.

Explanation: The Orgburo, a key organizational body, ceased to exist in 1952, and its responsibilities were integrated into the structure of the Secretariat.

Explanation: The Komsomol, or the All-Union Leninist Young Communist League, functioned as the primary youth organization of the CPSU, responsible for ideological education and recruitment.

Explanation: The Nomenklatura system was fundamentally a mechanism for the CPSU to control appointments to key positions throughout the state and society, ensuring party loyalty and influence.

Explanation: *Pravda* was the principal organ of the CPSU, dedicated to propagating the party's ideology, policies, and official narratives.

Explanation: The Higher Party School played a crucial role in the ideological training and professional development of party officials and cadres.

Explanation: The 1936 Constitution, often called the "Stalin Constitution," legally enshrined the CPSU's paramount role in the Soviet political system.

Explanation: The Soviet Armed Forces were considered an integral part of the CPSU's structure, maintained under strict party supervision and ideological guidance.

Explanation: The "Lenin Levy," initiated by Stalin, was a recruitment drive designed to significantly increase party membership, particularly from the working class, thereby strengthening the party's base.

Explanation: While aiming for prosperity, the CPSU's state socialist economic model was often plagued by inefficiencies, shortages, and suboptimal resource allocation, failing to achieve widespread prosperity or consistent efficiency.

Explanation: The Politburo and the Secretariat were the key executive organs responsible for managing the party's operations and policy implementation between larger congresses.

Explanation: The Nomenklatura system provided the CPSU with a mechanism to control personnel appointments across all significant sectors, thereby maintaining party dominance.

Explanation: *Pravda*'s primary function was to serve as the official voice of the CPSU, disseminating its ideology and policy directives.

Explanation: The HPS was dedicated to the ideological education and professional development of party members, ensuring adherence to the CPSU's principles.

Explanation: The Komsomol was established as the CPSU's youth organization, responsible for ideological education and preparing young individuals for future party membership.

Explanation: The Nomenklatura system was the CPSU's method for managing and controlling personnel appointments to all significant positions within the state and society, thereby guaranteeing party loyalty.

Explanation: *Pravda* functioned as the official organ of the CPSU, responsible for disseminating the party's ideology, policies, and directives to the public.