Russia and the RepublicsBackground information

Russia Russia is the largest country in the

world• Spans 11 time zones

Physical Geography and Climate are tied to the settlement patterns of the Russian people

Physical Geography The Ural Mountains

serve as a barrier to development

As well as the harsh climate and landscape of Siberia

Climate Cold climates and short growing

seasons limit economic activity, so mining is relied on.

More moderate climates promote development:• EX) Northern European Plain – Location of

the Russian capitol, Moscow, and the Volga River which serves as a major means of transportation.

Culture and History Russia is rich in cultural heritage and

has experienced all aspects of political leadership and economic activity.Soviet Union -

CommunistRussia – Free Market

History Timeline Ancient Russia was dominated by the Kievan Rus Empire

Mongols took over in the 13th Century, ruled for several centuries

Replaced by the Tsars (Czars) of the Romanov family

Bolshevik Revolution of 1917 – overthrew the Czars and introduced Communism (command economy) and single-party dictators.

For most of the 20th Century, the Russian Republic of the USSR was the dominant state.

Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, and capitalism and democracy emerged. However, Russia and the Republics still struggle with transition to democracy and other free market economies.

King: Czar Nicholas II

Pre-1917

Communism(1917-1989)

Capitalism/Free Enterprise (1991 to

Present)• He had five children

(one of them was Anastasia)

• Czar Nicholas II led an unlimited government

• People began to protest against the czar

• The Russian Revolution (1917) replaced the czar

• The king and his family were held under house arrest and executed

• Vladimir Lenin leads efforts to establish a communist state in the early 1920s.

• Russia and several surrounding states unite to form the U.S.S.R. (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic)

• Communist leaders establish the USSR as an unlimited government

• After 1989, big changes came to Russia.

• Soviet leader Gorbachev introduced reforms promoting a freer society, less government control, and free market policies.

• The union dissolved in 1991 leading to 15 new nations struggling to form limited governments and more open markets.

Russia U.S.S.R. Russia