Soviet Union

Definition

The Soviet Union, officially known as the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), was a socialist state that existed from 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. It was a federation of multiple republics, with Russia being the largest and most influential, and played a pivotal role in the global dynamics of the 20th century, particularly during and after World War II.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Soviet Union emerged as a superpower after World War II, significantly influencing global politics, economics, and military strategies during the Cold War.
2. The Yalta Conference in 1945 was crucial in determining the postwar order in Europe, where the Soviet Union gained influence over Eastern Europe and shaped the division of Germany.
3. The USSR's expansionist policies contributed to the establishment of communist regimes in Eastern Europe, which were often backed by military force.
4. The Soviet Union's economy was based on state ownership and central planning, leading to rapid industrialization but also significant inefficiencies and shortages.
5. The ideological rivalry between the Soviet Union and Western powers fueled conflicts around the globe, including in Korea, Vietnam, and Cuba, as each side sought to spread its influence.

Review Questions

• How did the decisions made at the Yalta Conference reflect the interests of the Soviet Union in shaping postwar Europe?
  • At the Yalta Conference, key leaders discussed the reorganization of postwar Europe, where the Soviet Union sought to secure its influence over Eastern Europe. This included agreements on the future of Poland and other Eastern European nations, allowing the USSR to install pro-Soviet governments. The conference marked a significant moment in establishing a divided Europe, with the Iron Curtain symbolizing the boundary between Western democracies and Eastern communist states under Soviet control.
• Evaluate the impact of Soviet policies on Eastern Europe after World War II.
  • Soviet policies after World War II led to significant changes in Eastern Europe as countries fell under communist rule. The USSR established satellite states that were politically aligned with Moscow, implementing systems of governance that suppressed dissent. Economic systems were altered to align with socialist principles, which often led to social unrest due to shortages and oppression. The result was a region characterized by limited freedoms and significant resistance movements that eventually played a role in destabilizing Soviet control.
• Assess how the legacy of the Soviet Union's actions during World War II influenced international relations in the following decades.
  • The legacy of the Soviet Union's actions during World War II had profound effects on international relations for decades. The USSR's role in defeating Nazi Germany solidified its status as a superpower but also sowed distrust with Western nations. The division of Europe into Eastern and Western blocs set the stage for the Cold War, marked by ideological conflicts and proxy wars. As former Soviet republics navigated independence post-1991, their relationships with Russia continued to be shaped by this complex legacy, influencing global politics well into the 21st century.

Related terms

Communism:

A political and economic ideology that aims for a classless society where all property is publicly owned and each person works and is paid according to their abilities and needs.

Cold War:

A period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.

Stalinism: A political system and policies implemented by Joseph Stalin characterized by centralized control, repression, industrialization, and collectivization.