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Defining Documents in World History: The Rise and Fall of the Soviet Union
The Soviet Union's rise, from its ideological roots in 19th-century socialist thought, to its dissolution in 1991, concluding with Russia and the other former Soviet republics' efforts to redefine themselves, is a story of revolution, power, and transformation.
This collection of documents provides a comprehensive exploration of the key events, individuals, and ideological shifts that shaped the Soviet Union’s rise and eventual collapse. The pre-Soviet intellectual and political movements that paved the way for the Bolshevik Revolution of 1917, included pivotal texts like The Communist Manifesto (1848) and Lenin’s What Is to Be Done? (1902), which set the foundation for the Soviet state, which would emerge from the chaos of World War I and the October Revolution. The entries trace the evolution of the U.S.S.R. through major milestones, such as the Russian Civil War, Stalin’s totalitarian regime, the Great Patriotic War (World War II), and the Cold War, highlighting both the domestic policies and global influence of the Soviet Union. Critical moments like the Cuban Missile Crisis, the space race, and détente with the West illustrate the superpower’s geopolitical significance. The documents also illuminate the internal fractures that led to the Soviet Union’s demise, including Gorbachev’s reforms of glasnost and perestroika, the 1991 coup attempt, and the emergence of nationalist movements within the Soviet republics. The dissolution of the U.S.S.R. on December 31, 1991, marked the birth of 15 independent states, reshaping the political landscape of Eurasia. Special attention is given to the aftermath of the collapse, from Boris Yeltsin’s efforts to redefine Russia’s role on the world stage to the diplomatic challenges of securing the former Soviet nuclear arsenal. The rise of Vladimir Putin and Russia’s resurgence as a global power, including its actions in Ukraine, underscore the enduring legacy of the Soviet era.
This work draws on a diverse range of primary and secondary sources, including political speeches, legislative documents, historical analyses, and contemporary news articles, offering readers a nuanced understanding of the Soviet Union’s impact on the modern world.
About the Series
The Defining Documents series provides in-depth commentary and analysis on the most important primary source documents in the United States and the world. The Defining Documents series is perfect for students, those researching a particular era, or anyone interested in world history. Visit www.salempress.com for more information about additional titles in this series.
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