Soviet Union

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), commonly known as the Soviet Union, was a transcontinental country that spanned much of Eurasia from 1922 to 1991. It was the largest country in the world by area, extending across eleven time zones and sharing land borders with twelve countries. An overall successor state to the Russian Empire, the country was nominally organized as a federal union of fifteen national republics, the largest and most populous of which was the Russian SFSR; in practice, both its government and its economy were highly centralized until its final years. It was the world's third-most populous country and Europe's most populous country. As a one-party state governed by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, it was a flagship communist state. Its capital as well as its largest city was Moscow. Other highly urbanized centers included Leningrad, Kiev, Tashkent, Baku, Kharkov, and Minsk.
soviet-union

Some of the key events about Soviet Union

  • 1917
    The October Revolution established the world's first socialist state
  • 1917
    The Bolshevik Revolution overthrew the provisional government, leading to civil war and the establishment of a one-party state
  • 1922
    The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was officially formed
  • 1930
    The Soviet Union implemented universal literacy programs
  • 1932
    The Soviet famine of 1932-33, also known as Holodomor, resulted in millions of deaths, particularly in Ukraine
  • 1934
    The Moscow Metro opened, becoming one of the world's most extensive and beautiful subway systems
  • 1937
    The Great Purge began, leading to mass arrests, executions, and deportations of alleged enemies of the state
  • 1939
    The Soviet Union signed the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact with Nazi Germany, secretly dividing Eastern Europe into spheres of influence
  • 1941
    Nazi Germany invaded the Soviet Union, beginning the Great Patriotic War which resulted in enormous casualties and destruction
  • 1945
    The Soviet Union emerged as a superpower after World War II
  • 1953
    The "Doctors' Plot" antisemitic campaign accused Jewish doctors of conspiring to assassinate Soviet leaders
  • 1957
    The first artificial satellite, Sputnik 1, was launched into orbit
  • 1961
    The first human spaceflight was achieved with Vostok 1
  • 1962
    The Cuban Missile Crisis brought the Soviet Union and the United States to the brink of nuclear war
  • 1965
    The world's first nuclear-powered icebreaker, Lenin, began operation
  • 1975
    The Soyuz-Apollo mission marked the first joint U.S.-Soviet space flight
  • 1979
    The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan, beginning a costly nine-year war
  • 1986
    The Mir space station was launched, becoming the first modular space station
  • 1986
    The Chernobyl nuclear disaster occurred, releasing large amounts of radioactive material into the environment
  • 1991
    The Soviet Union dissolved, ending 74 years of communist rule and leading to economic collapse in many former Soviet republics

Disclaimer: This material is written based on information taken from open sources, including Wikipedia, news media, podcasts, and other public sources.

Soviet Union Latest news

How population decline drives modern warfare: A look at Russia's hidden motives

How population decline drives modern warfare: A look at Russia's hidden motives

World faces unprecedented population decline affecting global politics and warfare. Russiaʼs invasion of Ukraine shows how demographic fears can trigger military actions in modern-day world

Society, Politics • December 6 2024 , 08:43 PM  •  627 views
Russia's new budget plan shows record-high secret spending for next 3 years

Russia's new budget plan shows record-high secret spending for next 3 years

Russian government made public its financial roadmap with increased military focus and hidden expenses. One-third of spending details wont be shown to public while state debt stays under control

Economics, Politics • December 2 2024 , 01:14 PM  •  61 views
Russian diplomat hints at nuclear tests comeback as global tensions rise

Russian diplomat hints at nuclear tests comeback as global tensions rise

Russian official discusses possible return to nuclear testing due to complex international situation. Moscow changes its nuclear-use rules while stepping back from global test ban agreements

Politics, Science • November 30 2024 , 01:46 PM  •  14268 views
Putin warns of extreme response to Ukraine's possible nuclear plans

Putin warns of extreme response to Ukraine's possible nuclear plans

At Kazakhstan meeting Putin addressed reports about potential US nuclear transfer to Ukraine. Russian leader stated his country would use every weapon if Ukraine gets nuclear capabilities

Society, Politics • November 28 2024 , 06:12 PM  •  3461 views
Trump's cabinet picks don't matter - here's what history tells us about it

Trump's cabinet picks don't matter - here's what history tells us about it

Looking at Trumps new foreign-policy team choices makes people think differently about future US politics. But past experiences show that these picks might not be as important as everyone thinks

Politics • November 21 2024 , 10:40 PM  •  1023 views
Putin changes Russia's nuclear rules after US missile decision

Putin changes Russia's nuclear rules after US missile decision

Russia updates its nuclear response policy‚ adding new conditions for weapon use. Changes come as reaction to US plans about long-range missiles for Ukraine in ongoing military situation

Politics • November 19 2024 , 09:11 AM  •  1095 views
How Baltic train tracks tell a story of freedom from Russian influence

How Baltic train tracks tell a story of freedom from Russian influence

A massive rail project is changing how Baltic states connect with Europe‚ leaving behind Soviet-era infrastructure. This shift mirrors their 35-year journey from occupied territories to modern EU members

Economics, Politics • November 15 2024 , 07:37 PM  •  539 views
Trump's win makes Ukraine consider its nuclear past - what's next?

Trump's win makes Ukraine consider its nuclear past - what's next?

After recent election results Ukraine faces tough choices about its defense strategy. President Zelenskys statement about nuclear weapons brings up memories of post-Soviet times when Ukraine gave up its arsenal

Politics, Science • November 7 2024 , 08:56 AM  •  2408 views
Former Olympic boxer shares how Moldova's independence changed his life path

Former Olympic boxer shares how Moldova's independence changed his life path

A well-known Moldovan figure tells his unique story of transformation from Soviet times to Olympic glory. His journey shows how one countryʼs independence opened doors for its athletes

Sports, Politics • November 2 2024 , 05:33 AM  •  6119 views