• Russian 101 - From Reds to Glasnost: USSR and the Russian Federation (1917-2022)

  • Oct 30 2023
  • Length: 3 mins
  • Podcast

Russian 101 - From Reds to Glasnost: USSR and the Russian Federation (1917-2022)

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  • Summary

  • This is your Russia 101, the easiest way to become an expert, well, at least knowledgable, on all things Russia.
    In the wake of the Romanovs' fall, Russia embarked on a turbulent journey of revolution, superpower rivalry, and finally, reinvention. From red banners to Glasnost reforms, this tale is of a nation's metamorphosis, cold wars, space races, and the eventual collapse of a giant.
    The Bolshevik Revolution and Lenin’s Rule
    October's Fiery Leaves: The October Revolution of 1917 saw the Bolsheviks overthrow the Provisional Government, effectively putting an end to the 300-year rule of the Romanovs.
    Lenin's New Russia: The nation underwent profound changes under Lenin's leadership. With policies like War Communism and later the New Economic Policy (NEP), Lenin laid the foundation of the new Soviet state.

    The Stalin Era
    Stalin’s Grand Vision: With five-year plans, Stalin aimed for rapid industrialization. The Soviet Union underwent a drastic transformation, evolving into an industrial powerhouse.
    Dark Days: But these achievements came at a cost. The purges and the Great Terror saw millions imprisoned, executed, or sent to gulags. And as the world went to war, the USSR faced the onslaught of Nazi Germany.

    Cold War and Space Race
    An Era of Thaws and Freezes: Post-WWII, Khrushchev’s leadership brought the 'Thaw' but also moments of intense global tension like the Cuban Missile Crisis.
    To Infinity and Beyond: In the backdrop of the Cold War, the space race heated up. The USSR achieved milestones with Sputnik and sent the first man, Yuri Gagarin, into space.

    Collapse of the Soviet Union
    A New Wind: Mikhail Gorbachev ushered in radical reforms with Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness). However, the empire started showing cracks.
    The Final Days: Economic struggles intensified, political structures became shaky, and the 1991 coup attempt marked the end of an era. By December 1991, the USSR was officially dissolved.
    Tune in to "1980s Soviet infomercials"! Get your state-approved vacuum or the latest in communal kitchen gadgets!

    The Age of Putin: Vladimir Putin’s leadership in the new millennium saw Russia reasserting itself on the global stage, with a mix of old power strategies and new digital-age tactics.
    While the nation marched ahead, it faced socio-economic challenges, digital age warfare, and questions about its global stance and internal governance.

    From the ashes of empires rose new orders. Russia's journey from the Bolsheviks to the present day is a testament to its resilience, adaptability, and the indomitable spirit of its people.

    Our journey might be ending, but Russia's story continues. We encourage our listeners to delve deeper, to explore the nuances, the tales, and the mosaic that is Russia. And who knows? Maybe there's a "Russia 102" in the offing. Stay tuned!
    Hear you next time. and until then, make sure you check out the other 101 series podcasts. Just search a country name and 101 on any podcast platform. We will come up.

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