The Soviet Colossus: History and Aftermath

Will twenty-first century Russia be peaceful, prosperous, and free? Part of the answer to that question lies in the past. In this thoroughly revised and updated edition of his readable, accessible, and judicious short history of modern Russia, Kort provides an overview of the historical background that shaped Russia as it entered the twentieth century. He then focuses on the pivotal events that led in turn to the establishment of the Bolshevik dictatorship, Stalinist totalitarianism, the reforms and counter-reforms of Krushchev and Brezhnev, and the dramatic changes that swept the country during the Gorbachev years, culminating in the collapse of the Soviet system. The final section of the book considers the first decade of post-Soviet Russia—the loss of empire; the attempt to create a Russian-style capitalist democracy; and the legacy of Boris Yeltsin's presidency.

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This short history of modern Russia begins with an overview of the historical background that shaped Russia as it entered the 20th century. Kort (social science, Boston U.) then focuses on the pivotal events that led in turn to the establishment of the Bolshevik dictatorship, Stalinist totalitarianism, the reforms and counter- reforms of Krushchev and Brezhnev, and the dramatic changes during the Gorbachev years, culminating in the collapse of the Soviet system. The final section considers the first decade of post-Soviet Russia, including the loss of empire, the attempt to create a Russian-style capitalist democracy, and the legacy of Boris Yeltsin's presidency. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)