Lecture Notes: Formation and Early History of the Soviet Union

Formation of the Soviet Union (1922)

• Emerged from the remnants of the Russian Empire after a Civil War post-Bolshevik Revolution.
• Vladimir Lenin became the leader, aiming to create a socialist state.
• The Soviet Union was surrounded by perceived enemies, leading to focus on military strength.
• After WWII, it became a global superpower.

Bolshevik Revolution and Civil War

• 1917: Romanov Dynasty fell, Bolsheviks seized power.
• Treaty of Brest-Litovsk: Ended Russian involvement in WWI.
• Civil War: Red Army (Bolsheviks) vs. White Army (opponents of Bolshevism), with foreign interventions from Japan, France, Britain, and the US.
• Notable events: Kronstadt Mutiny, Nationalist armies (Ukrainians, Georgians).

Rise of Key Figures

• Joseph Stalin: Rose in the Bolshevik party as the organizational leader, eventually succeeded Lenin.
• Lenin's Policies: Attempted to give nationalities inside the USSR their own homelands but struggled with centralization versus decentralization.

Creation of USSR (1922)

• Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR): A federal system of republics.
• Lenin envisioned decentralization, Stalin preferred centralization.

Stalin's Rise to Power

• Post-Lenin: Stalin maneuvered politically to remove rivals like Trotsky.
• Economic Policies: Abandoned New Economic Policy, introduced Five-Year Plans focusing on heavy industry.
• Great Famine: Resulted from collectivization policies; millions perished.

The Great Purge

• Targeted political enemies, former Bolshevik allies, military officers.
• Increased fear and control within the Soviet Union.

Foreign Relations

• Initial international isolation, eventually recognized by global powers (e.g., GB, USA, League of Nations).
• Complex relations with Nazi Germany, leading to the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact.

WWII and the Nazi Invasion

• Stalin misjudged Hitler's intentions; USSR was unprepared for Operation Barbarossa (1941).
• Initial Soviet losses were massive, but eventually resistance strengthened.

Conclusion

• The early Soviet Union's development was marked by internal turmoil, strategic errors, and eventual global recognition and influence. Stalin's rule was characterized by ruthless control, dramatic policy shifts, and significant impact on global geopolitics.