III. Soviet Union

A. East Against West After WWII, Eastern Europe opposed Western Europe and the U.S.A. Iron Curtain – Boundary separating the Communist nations of Eastern Europe from the democratic nations of Western Europe

Iron Curtain

B. Rise of the Soviet Union After the fall of Germany, the Soviet Union became the strongest country in Europe Union of Soviet Socialist Republics – USSR Made up of 15 current counties Largest country was Russia

C. Rise of Communism All goods and services were shared equally No classes would exist in society Private property would cease to exist Each person would contribute what they could and receive what they need

D. The Soviet Era 1914 – Russia fights in World War I Russia suffers many defeats and food shortages that the people blamed on the czar (Russian Emperor) 1917 – Russian Revolution overthrew the czar and created communism

Russian Czar Nicholas II and his Family

Founders of Communism Vladimir Lenin& Joseph Stalin

Vladimir Lenin Led Russian Revolution that resulted in Communism 1922 – Russian leaders founded the USSR

Joseph Stalin Took power after Lenin’s death Very harsh ruler Anyone who disagreed with his policies were killed or sent to labor camps in Siberia Killed as many as 10,000,000

Abandoned Labor Camp in Siberia

E. Cold War Cold War – Political tension between the U.S. and Soviet Union from No actual war was fought directly between the Soviet Union and the United States