The Soviet Union, abbreviated as USSR, was a union of states established on January 25, 1918, following the collapse of Tsarist Russia after the October Revolution of 1917. It became the largest country in terms of land area after its formation. Its first leader was Vladimir Lenin, who played a crucial role in its establishment.
After its formation, Moscow, which is still the capital of Russia today, served as the capital of the USSR, and the currency used was the Ruble.
The process leading to the establishment of the USSR began with the popular uprising in Russia during World War I and culminated in the October Revolution led by Vladimir Lenin. This resulted in the overthrow of Tsarist Russia and the proclamation of the Soviet Socialist Republics on January 25, 1918.
Although the October Revolution is often referred to as the Red Revolution, it was actually carried out by the Bolsheviks and Mensheviks. Initially, the Mensheviks, considered moderate socialists, held power. They were not opposed to the Tsar and were not against the war. On the other hand, the Bolsheviks, or the Reds, were staunchly anti-war and aimed for a different form of government. This led to a brutal power struggle among the Bolsheviks, Mensheviks, and pro-Tsarist factions, ultimately resulting in the victory of the Bolsheviks and the establishment of the communist ideology under the leadership of Lenin.
Lenin's key propaganda tools were peace, bread, and land, with the aim of influencing the masses. Upon gaining power, Lenin's first action was to sign the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, effectively withdrawing Russia from World War I.
After Lenin, Joseph Stalin, who succeeded him as General Secretary of the Communist Party, implemented the Five-Year Plans for economic development. This period saw the policy of collectivization, resulting in significant changes to agricultural practices and leading to significant turmoil, including the Holodomor famine in Ukraine.
The Red Army, a formidable force, was largely established and strengthened during Stalin's era. Despite human rights abuses and atrocities associated with Stalin's rule, the USSR emerged as a powerful nation. The Cold War era saw intense competition with the United States, including the space race and nuclear arms race.
The USSR was composed of 15 republics, with the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic being the leading entity. After its dissolution in 1991, these republics gained independence. Some former members, once part of the Iron Curtain, are now NATO members.
The USSR's decline began with Mikhail Gorbachev's policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) in the late 1980s. Nationalist movements and economic troubles further contributed to its dissolution, with Gorbachev declaring the end of the USSR in 1991.
Lenin's ruthless period of opposition suppression, known as the Red Terror, is a significant aspect of this history. Lenin's warning about Stalin before his death indicates a lack of trust in him.
In recent years, the Russian state has sought to rehabilitate the image of Tsar Nicholas II and his family.
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