Population and Culture Russia Population and Culture

Russia’s People Population – about 140 million Most densely settled areas also have the best climates and soils for agriculture

Population Centers Moscow – Largest city in Russia Capital of Russia Population – more than 10 million Saint Petersburg – Second largest city in Russia Founded by Russian czar, or emperor, Peter the Great

Ethnic and Religious Composition Russia’s huge population comprises many diverse ethnic groups with many languages and customs. There are at least 100 ethnic and nationality groups in Russia. Each has a distinct culture, language, and religion.

Ethnic and Religious Composition (cont.) The first Russians were East Slavics. Today, 80% of the population are Russian-speaking Slavics. Tradionally, Slavics were Russian Orthodox Christians. The communist rules of the Soviet Union discouraged religion. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, more Russians attend church.

The Cold War

The Cold War During the time period after WWII, the Soviet Union developed their own nuclear weapons (atomic bombs). They also strengthened their military. The Iron Curtain led to even more tension between the two countries. The Iron Curtain was a group of countries in East Europe that were under Soviet control.

Air Raids Air Raids were a common thing during the Cold War. Children in schools were taught to hide under their desks to be protected from a nuclear strike. Find an old “duck and cover” video on youtube. I’ve put an “air raid” siren sound effect in the powerpoint. Whenever you play it, have students duck under their desks.

The Cold War - Players Both the United States and Russia were Superpowers. Strong, wealthy countries with large populations and very strong militaries. The U.S. and the Soviet Union were the two most powerful countries in the world.

The Cold War - Background There was a lot of tension between the U.S. and the Soviet Union. Many feared this rivalry between Democracy and Communism would lead to a nuclear war. They called this tension a “Cold War” because neither side ever fired a shot. However, the threat of nuclear war left many feeling nervous. The Cold War lasted for 45 years.

Collapse of the Soviet Union – Start The Soviet Union remained a Communist Superpower until the 1980s. Even until the 1980s, tensions between the U.S. and The Soviet Union were high. In 1985, Russia got a new leader by the name of Mikhail Gorbachev.

Mikhail Gorbachev Gorbachev realized that Communism in Europe was failing and wanted to begin being peaceful with the U.S. He and U.S. President Ronald Reagan actually became friends and signed treaties.

Berlin Wall After WW II Berlin was divided into halves. The East side was dominated by Russia The West was dominated by the US, France, and the UK A wall was built and guards kept people from crossing the wall.

Collapse of Berlin Wall Soon after Gorbachev took power, many Communist governments in Europe fell. These countries began adopting Democratic governments. In 1989, East German government announced that people could freely travel between East and West Berlin. Citizens immediately began tearing down the Berlin Wall.

Collapse of Berlin Wall

Reunification of Germany Making something whole that has been split into pieces. In 1990, Germans voted to make the countries of East Germany and West Germany one country: Germany. Today, Germany is a free democracy with a great economy.

Collapse of the Soviet Union Soon after these countries became Democratic, the Soviet Union dissolved and was known as Russia once again. With the collapse of Communism, Europe is no longer split in two.