The USSR
Definition
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), also known as the Soviet Union, was a federal socialist state in Northern Eurasia that existed from 1922 to 1991. It was a major world power that played a key role in the outcome of World War II.
Analogy
Think of the USSR like a huge school district made up of many different schools (or republics). Just like how each school has its own principal but still follows rules set by the district superintendent, each republic had its own government but was ultimately controlled by the central Soviet government.
Related terms
Communism: A political theory derived from Karl Marx advocating class war and leading to a society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs. The USSR followed this ideology.
Cold War: A period of geopolitical tension between two superpowers - USA & USSR post-World War II until dissolution of USSR in 1991.
Joseph Stalin: Leader of the Soviet Union from mid-1920s until his death in 1953. Under his leadership, USSR became an industrial powerhouse and defeated Nazi Germany during WWII.
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