Overview
This lecture covers the rise, dominance, and fall of the Soviet Union (USSR), highlighting its creation, expansion, internal challenges, and eventual dissolution in 1991.
Formation of the Soviet Union
- The Russian Revolution of 1917 led to the overthrow of Tsar Nicholas II by the Bolsheviks.
- Vladimir Lenin led the Marxist revolution and formed the USSR in 1922 with Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Transcaucasia.
- The USSR was a communist bloc where private property was abolished and the state controlled all aspects of life.
- Eventually, 15 republics made up the USSR, with vast territory and natural resources.
Soviet Expansion and Power
- Under Joseph Stalin (late 1920s), the USSR became an industrial and military power.
- Stalin's rule included mass repression, millions of deaths, and political prisoners.
- After World War II, the USSR emerged as a superpower and installed communism in Eastern Europe.
- The USSR's influence led to the division of Europe by the Iron Curtain and the start of the Cold War with the US.
The Cold War Era
- The USSR and the US competed in military, economic, technological, and cultural spheres.
- Soviet influence extended to Eastern Bloc countries and allies like Cuba, Angola, and Vietnam.
- Internally, the Soviet economy stagnated, living standards were low, and dissatisfaction grew.
Reform and Collapse
- Mikhail Gorbachev became leader in 1985, introducing perestroika ("restructuring") to modernize the system.
- Perestroika allowed some private business and loosened state control but faced resistance and hardship.
- Gorbachev also initiated democratization, including the USSR's first democratic elections.
- Reforms and external pressures led to independence movements among the republics.
- In 1991, the Belavesh Agreement dissolved the USSR, creating the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Bolsheviks — Radical Marxist group that led the Russian Revolution.
- USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) — Communist state formed in 1922, comprising 15 republics.
- Perestroika — Gorbachev’s policy of economic and political restructuring.
- Iron Curtain — Division between Soviet-controlled Eastern Europe and the West during the Cold War.
- Cold War — Period of rivalry between the USSR and the US (1947–1991).
- Commonwealth of Independent States — Alliance formed by former Soviet republics after the USSR’s dissolution.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review the differences between communist and capitalist systems.
- Prepare a timeline of key events from 1917 to 1991 in Soviet history.