Geography and History of Russia and Eastern Europe

Things To Look For In The Unit Severe climates, ethnic diversity, and the absence of natural barriers affected Russia’s development Early Russia absorbed Byzantine influences. Much later, western ideas had a major impact on Russia In the 1800’s Russia experienced unrest as it tried to become a modern world power Powerful empires competed for control of Eastern Europe, while the peoples of the region sought to maintain their independence.

Geographic Setting Russia has many different geographic regions that make the country diverse Steppe- huge, open plain that stretches across the Ukraine and Russia – “The whole of the country was a vast green wilderness. Never a plow has passed over its measureless waves of wild grass…” Nicholas Gogol (Russian Writer) describing the Russian Steppe Question: What are the good things and bad things about an area like this?

How would you describe this picture ?

Russia: A Vast Country Formally called the USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) or simply the Soviet Union – Made up of 15 Republics that were all controlled by Moscow (Capital) Covered 6,000 miles over both Europe and Asia – Twice the size of the United States Soviet Union ceased to exist in 1991 after the Republics declared independence Russia was the largest republic and has most of the people living there

Landforms Huge plain that stretches from Europe to Central Asia The Ural Mountains mark the border between Europe and Asia – Not tall enough to be a real barrier Throughout history invaders and conquerors have travelled across the plain Besides warfare and death the invaders also brought new ideas and technology

Plateaus and Mountains Caucasus Mountains – Between the Black and Caspian Seas – In the republics of Georgia, Armenia and Azerbaijan – They also separate Russia from Turkey and Iran Pamir Mountains – Separate Russia and other Central Asian from Afghanistan and China – Tall enough to block moisture from rain clouds – Creates desert areas on one side of mountain

Caucasus and Pamir Mountains

Seas, Lakes and Rivers Large inland seas and lakes provided people with water and transportation Seas – Caspian Sea- worlds largest inland sea – Aral Sea- slowly shrinking in size Lakes – Lake Baikal- holds more water than all the Great Lakes in the United States Rivers – Dnieper – Don – Volga – Ob – Yenisei – Lena Question To Ponder: How would large amounts of waterways and freshwater be beneficial to the people, both past and present of Russia?

Climate in Russia Most parts of Russia (Former Soviet Union) are above 49 Degrees North Latitude – The same line that divides America and Canada Harsh, cold winters and short, hot summers Permafrost- layer of soil below the surface that remains permanently frozen Makes it hard to build homes and factories Historically Russians have sought warm weather ports along the Black Sea Winter helped beat both the French and the Germans during war times

Vegetation and Resources Six different climate zones in Russia: – Tundra Zone- Arctic North Region – Taiga Zone- large evergreen forests (larger than the US) – Forest Zone- leafy trees (like PA) – Steppe- large, open land, great for farming – Desert Zone- Central Asia – Caucasus Zone- moist and sub-tropical are Different zones provide for different weather and climates Diverse areas and peoples Great variety of Natural Resources – Huge forests (lumber) – Fertile soil (farming) – Oil – Coal – Iron Ore – Natural Gas – Gold – Uranium – Platinum – Chromium Problems with Environment and accessing the Natural Resources

Peoples While the Societ Union was in power there were 100 different nationalities living in the area – All with their own language, culture and way of life Slavic People- Russians, Ukrainians and Belorussians Caucasus People- Armenians, Georgians and Azeri Central Asian People- Kazakhs, Kyrgyzis, Mongols, Turkmen and Uzbeks Many different cultures (Cultural Diversity)

Peoples Multiple religions abound in the are and have for many years Christianity – Russian Orthodox – Armenian Orthodox – Protestant – Roman Catholic Jewish Peoples Muslim Peoples Multiple ethnicities have led to problems throughout the area