Soviet Union – 1817 to 1991

Unit 1 – Russian Revolution and Soviet Rise

Unit 2 – Stalin's Era: Industry, Farms, and Repression

Unit 3 – The USSR in World War II

Unit 4 – Khrushchev's Thaw: De-Stalinization Era

Unit 5 – Brezhnev Era: Stagnation and Détente

Unit 6 – Gorbachev Era: Soviet Reform and Collapse

## What do you learn in The Soviet Union,1917-1991

You'll explore the rise, reign, and fall of the Soviet Union from the Russian Revolution to its collapse. Key topics include Bolshevik takeover, Stalin's reign, World War II's impact, Cold War tensions, and Gorbachev's reforms. You'll analyze political ideologies, economic policies, and social changes that shaped this superpower and its global influence.

## Is The Soviet Union,1917-1991 hard?

It can be pretty challenging, especially if you're not a history buff. There's a ton of names, dates, and events to keep track of, and understanding the complex political ideologies can be a brain-bender. But if you're into Cold War spy stories or Russian literature, you might find it easier to connect the dots and stay engaged.

## Tips for taking The Soviet Union,1917-1991 in college

1. Use [Fiveable Study Guides](https://fiveable.me/cram-mode) to help you cram 🌶️
2. Create a timeline to visualize the chronology of events
3. Focus on understanding key figures like Lenin, Stalin, and Gorbachev
4. Break down complex concepts like collectivization and perestroika
5. Watch "The Death of Stalin" for a darkly comedic take on Soviet politics
6. Read George Orwell's "Animal Farm" for an allegorical perspective
7. Check out documentaries like "The Cold War" series for visual context

## Common pre-requisites for The Soviet Union,1917-1991

1. World History: A broad overview of global events and developments from ancient civilizations to modern times. This course provides context for understanding the Soviet Union's place in world history.

2. Introduction to Political Science: An exploration of political theories, systems, and institutions. This class helps students grasp the ideological foundations of Soviet communism.

## Classes similar to The Soviet Union,1917-1991

1. Cold War History: Examines the global conflict between the United States and Soviet Union from 1945-1991. This course delves into the ideological, political, and military tensions that shaped the second half of the 20th century.

2. Russian History: Covers the development of Russia from its early origins to the present day. This class provides a broader context for understanding the cultural and historical factors that influenced the Soviet era.

3. Comparative Communist Systems: Analyzes various communist regimes throughout history, including China, Cuba, and Eastern Europe. This course allows students to compare and contrast different implementations of communist ideology.

4. Post-Soviet Politics: Explores the political, economic, and social changes in former Soviet republics since 1991. This class examines the challenges and developments in these countries as they transitioned from communism.

## Majors related to The Soviet Union,1917-1991

1. History: Focuses on studying and interpreting past events, cultures, and societies. Students develop critical thinking and research skills while gaining a deep understanding of human experiences across time.

2. Political Science: Examines political systems, theories, and behaviors. Students analyze government structures, international relations, and policy-making processes, often with a focus on comparative politics.

3. International Relations: Concentrates on global politics, diplomacy, and cross-cultural interactions. Students study foreign policy, international organizations, and global economic systems to understand complex world affairs.

4. Russian and East European Studies: Explores the languages, cultures, and histories of Russia and Eastern European countries. Students gain specialized knowledge of this region's literature, politics, and social dynamics.

## What can you do with a degree in The Soviet Union,1917-1991?

1. Foreign Service Officer: Works for the government to represent national interests abroad. They engage in diplomacy, provide consular services, and analyze political and economic situations in foreign countries.

2. Intelligence Analyst: Gathers and interprets information to support national security decisions. They assess geopolitical risks, analyze foreign policies, and provide insights to government agencies or private organizations.

3. Historian: Researches, analyzes, and interprets historical events and documents. They may work in academia, museums, or research institutions, contributing to our understanding of the past and its relevance to the present.

4. Political Risk Consultant: Advises businesses and organizations on potential risks in international operations. They analyze political, economic, and social factors that could impact investments or operations in specific regions.

## The Soviet Union,1917-1991 FAQs

1. How relevant is Soviet history to current global politics? Understanding Soviet history provides crucial context for modern Russia's actions and its relationships with former Soviet republics and the West.

2. Will we discuss Soviet culture and daily life, or just politics? Most courses cover both political events and social aspects, including art, literature, and everyday experiences of Soviet citizens.

3. Do I need to know Russian to succeed in this class? While knowing Russian can be helpful for primary source materials, it's not typically required. Most resources will be available in English translations.

History

1.3 The Russian Civil War and the Consolidation of Soviet Power

1.2 The October Revolution and the Bolshevik Seizure of Power

1.1 The February Revolution and the Collapse of Tsarism

1.4 The New Economic Policy (NEP) and the Establishment of the Soviet Union

2.1 Stalin's Rise to Power and the Cult of Personality

2.2 The Five-Year Plans and Rapid Industrialization

2.4 The Great Purge and the Reign of Terror

2.3 Agricultural Collectivization and the Elimination of the Kulaks

2.5 Soviet Society and Culture under Stalinism

3.1 The Nazi-Soviet Non-Aggression Pact and the Outbreak of World War II

3.3 The Battle of Stalingrad and the Turning Point of the War

3.2 Operation Barbarossa and the German Invasion of the Soviet Union

3.4 The Soviet Advance and the Liberation of Eastern Europe

3.5 The Aftermath of World War II and the Emergence of the Cold War

4.1 Khrushchev's Secret Speech and the Denunciation of Stalin

4.4 The Cuban Missile Crisis and the Brink of Nuclear War

4.5 Khrushchev's Fall from Power and the End of the Thaw

4.2 The Reforms of the Khrushchev Era and the Relaxation of Repression

4.3 The Soviet Space Program and the Launch of Sputnik

5.1 The Brezhnev Doctrine and the Crushing of the Prague Spring

5.2 The Soviet Invasion of Afghanistan and the Escalation of the Cold War

5.3 The Era of Détente and Improved Relations with the West

5.4 The Stagnation of the Soviet Economy and the Decline of Living Standards

5.5 Dissent and Opposition in the Soviet Union

6.1 Gorbachev's Rise to Power and the Policies of Perestroika and Glasnost

6.2 The Chernobyl Disaster and the Erosion of Soviet Authority

6.3 The Revolutions of 1989 and the Fall of Communism in Eastern Europe

6.4 The August Coup and the Collapse of the Soviet Union

6.5 The Legacy of the Soviet Union and its Impact on the Modern World

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