Russia Scandinavia RUSSIAN HISTORY 800 A.D. Vikings began settling in Russia. They were often called the “Rus” people.

Why is most of the Russian Population on the European continent? The Russian population spread from the Scandinavian Peninsula. Siberia (Asian side of Russia) is very cold. Life there is very difficult. Better access to the rest of Europe. Better access to water for sea travel/trade.

Russian History 988 Vladimir I brings Eastern Orthodox Christianity. Ivan IV (the terrible) At age 3 Ivan’s uncles challenged the throne and were all killed by Ivan’s mother. Five years later his mother was poisoned. Named Grand Duke/ Prince at 8 years old Boyar’s (noble class that controlled both lands and armies) could manipulate Ivan so they would have the power. Ivan was always worried about being killed. 1546 Ivan named himself Czar (Tsar) from the Roman word for emperor “Caesar” (about 16 years old) Good – Architecture (Onion Domes) Bad – Killed son, removed eyes, paranoid

IVAN IV (the Terrible)

Russian History Cont. Peter the Great (First Emperor) Spent childhood as joint leader. Grew up with children of Nobility and Common status Fascinated with anything military as a child After becoming Emperor he still spent much of his time in Europe often in disguise, learning as much as he could. 1694 Peter became the Emperor of Russia. Made Nobles cut off their beards and dress more European. Good – Expanded the Russian Empire, Modernized the country and the military, added a navy, simplified the alphabet and calendar, moved capital from Moscow to St. Petersburg (near Baltic Sea).

PETER THE GREAT

Catherine the Great German chosen by Queen Elizabeth (Peter’s daughter) 1762 became Empress of Russia . Continued to reform and modernized Russia Was known for her foreign policy and lavish palace construction. (One for Winter and Summer)

Russian History 1812 Napoleon (France) invaded Russia. Russia burnt Moscow to the ground and Napoleon knew he was defeated?

Bolshevik Revolution 1914-1918 WWI (Great Depression) Karl Marx “Communist Manifesto” (1848) Vladimir Lenin became first communist leader

Romanov Royal Family Bolshevik Propaganda October 25, 1917 “RED OCTOBER”

Russian History WWII – Started in 1939 when Hitler broke the Warsaw Pact. Hitler invaded Russia 1941-1945 Joseph Stalin – most ruthless of all Russians Russia, Britain, and U.S. were Allied Powers

Soviet Union

Union of Soviet Socialist Republic Soviet Union Flag (USSR)

Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962 JFK Khrushchev

Cold War Begins with the United States – 1945 1949 Soviets gain nuclear power Arms Race between U.S. and U.S.S.R. October 1957 launch Sputnik Containment (Korean War/Vietnam War) 1961 first man in space 1991 Communism Falls

History The Soviet Union: State-run farms were unproductive; millions of peasants died. Personal freedoms were strictly limited; people were sent to labor camps. Some success achieved in education, health care, and employment.

Yuri Gagarin April 1961 First man in space First in Space October 4, 1957 Launching of SPUTNIK

WHY WAS THE WALL BUILT? THE BERLIN WALL CONSTRUCTION 1961 Celebration of East Berlin Wall being torn down Nov. 9, 1989 WHY WAS THE WALL BUILT?

Post Communism USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) lasted from 1917-1991. Countries formed out of U.S.S.R. -Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Moldova, Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia Orthodox Christianity restored Increased Crime Unemployment increases Today there are more billionaires than any other country. What does that mean for the poor population?