...Review of Boris Yeltsin`s “Midnight Diaries” Boris Yeltsin was the first freely elected President of Russia. He was President during the first turbulent decade of Post-Communist Russia. In his third memoirs Boris Yeltsin talks about his last years in presidential office: the presidential election campaign in 1996 and the role of his daughter Tatiana; the special relationship between Germany, France and Russia, which had developed after 1997; the inclusion of Russia into the G8-summits in 1998 and his attempts to maintain Russians position as a global power; the economic decline after the financial crisis of 1998 and his efforts to reform the economy; the wars in Chechnya and in the Kosovo in 1999 and the crisis of the military; his last public appearance to an international audience - the OSCE summit in Istanbul in 1999. Yeltsin talks not less frankly about his clashes with the Duma and his maneuvers with the new domestic political forces; the qualities of his five Prime Ministers and the transfer of power to Vladimir Putin; the eastward enlargement of NATO and the EU and his attempts to include Russia in the political and economic institutions of the West; his relationships with the Western leaders (Bill Clinton, Helmut Kohl and Gerhard Schröder) and his health problems that prevented him repeatedly from performing his duties. Boris Yeltsin’s career reflects the changes in Russia throughout the 20th century. He was a communist apparatchik who supervised the destruction of the...
Words: 1189 - Pages: 5
...Daud Mansuar Mrs. Stevens CHY 4U May 30, 2014 The Legacy of Ivan the Terrible The legacy of Ivan Vasilyevich, Tsar of Russia from 1547 until his death in 1584 (Kort 31), is like a pineapple. In order to enjoy the goodness of the sweet fruit inside, one must laboriously get past the tough skin and sharp, stiff leaves. Much like a pineapple, determining the legacy of Ivan Vasilyevich has its drawbacks, as there was a fair share of inadequacies during his reign, but after one gets past this, one will discover that Ivan’s reign was indeed one that benefitted Russia for the short and long term. Ivan Vasilyevich was indeed an effective leader of Russia as his reign would lay the foundation for making Russia one of the most powerful nations the world has ever seen. His expansion of Russia, Renaissance pursuits, and effective domestic policies are all reasons why Ivan was an effective leader of Russia. Ivan’s territorial gains that included Siberia as well as Kazan and Astrakhan to the east (Kort 35) would benefit Russia from an economic, political, and social standpoint. First of all, he managed to annex a large Muslim population that lived in these areas (“Prominent Russians: Ivan IV the Terrible”) and turned Russia into a multi-ethnic and multi-religious state. The significance of this is enormous as this happened in the 1500’s, a time where Europeans, fresh off the Dark Ages, were generally intolerant to any religions other than Christianity. In fact, Ivan made the people...
Words: 2005 - Pages: 9
...During the semester we have studied several torn cultures, in case we are going to study Russia, we use the term of “torn culture” when a country has experience major assaults on the core values of their cultures. In other words when a country have been separated from their cultural roots that have nourished them for decades. According with GP, Russia has been severed from its social, economic and cultural roots four times in the whole history of Russia, and by these events we call Russia a torn culture. The first period was in the 12th century when the Russia was invaded for the Tartars and Mongols during long 400 years. Peter the Great began to westernize Russia, by this action the second period was initiated. In this second period we have several changes, facilitation of Russian Navy to trade in the landlocked nation by the defeat of the Swedes, which they were they chief enemy. Also constructed Saint Petersburg out of swamp land to connect Russia by land with the West. The Russian Revolution began bringing with the third period to Russia, this began in 1917, and the results were dramatically different in the bad way to Russia, the results affected socially, economically, and culturally. World War II is when Russian army lost more soldiers than other nations. By this event the economy became extremely weak, most of the Russian resources went into military and atomic weapon affecting dramatically the economy; Christian Orthodox churches were destroyed and religion worship...
Words: 340 - Pages: 2
...such way that in August 2008 military conflict launched in South Ossetia. The nature of this conflict had significant implications for regional and international power politics. According to the American scientist Kenneth Waltz “peace is the one among a number of ends simultaneously entertained… To explain how peace can be more readily achieved requires an understanding of the causes of the war”. After the war between Russia and Georgia the whole world was concerned about what was the reason of the August war? This paper attempts to review some literature about this topic trying to answer this main question and create even a little understanding of the views that were expressed during or after the war. According the literature reviewed, views about causes of the war can be divided in two parts. First part is about interests’ contradiction between Russia and the USA and the second – about “Matter” of Saakashvili. Interests’ contradiction – Russia and the USA The views about Russia’s interest are express by Riho Ühtegi in his article “the 2008 Russia-Georgia war five years later”, that was published in Estonian analytical journal Diplomaatia. As the author explains situation in the Caucasus, “the area has been in Russia’s sphere of influence already for a couple of hundred years. Having a say in the transit of local oil and natural...
Words: 2450 - Pages: 10
...time. Stalin strongly believed that it was necessary to go to any lengths, which would soon include killing off thousands of peasants, to reverse the backwards economy of the time, to eventually overtake that of other countries. As the economy of Russia at the time, was in quite a terrible state. He believed he could do this by heavily focusing on agriculture and industry, to prepare Russia for a new age. Stalin’s new economic policies would soon prove to be a mix of successes and failures for both the economy and the people of Russia, each to different extents. Stalin’s first economic policy of the 1930’s was collectivization. This was the joining of private plots which had been previously divided amongst the peasants by the Tsar, in order to increase the amount of output production altogether. Although this might have seemed like a good idea to Stalin at the time, this economic policy proved to have more failures than successes. The collectivization of grain meant that the state was now in charge of how much you produce, how much it can be sold for, and how much of it you are actually allowed to keep to feed yourself. Although the image of collectivization was meant to eventually help the peasant population of Russia, behind the curtains, collectivization actually had more of a negative impact, for almost everyone. 4.5 million Peasants died due to famine...
Words: 1271 - Pages: 6
...What significance did The Great Patriotic War have on Russia in the period of 1941-1945? On June 22 1941, Germany launched Operation Barbarossa; an full scale military invasion against Russia; forcing her entry into The World War causing devastating consequences in all of Russian society, as well as her domestic economic and political affairs throughout 1941-1945. The war featured social effects; the ‘war of annihilation’ of the Russian citizens by Germany in pursuit of Moscow and the increased need of unity and patriotism domestically, economic effects; the complete transition to Russian war time economy to fuel the war and the devastation of Russian industries, however it was the consolidation of Stalin’s communist leadership that was to reign the most significant in terms of its domestic impact but also its lasting effect. The Great Patriotic war forced the Russian economy to transition into a war time economy to fuel the war effort. The final one and a half years of the 3rd five year plan saw a shift into a wartime economy as the Germany invaded Russia; increasing economic mobilisation and increased its PPP usage towards supplying the front with more resources, even more efficiently than Germany due to the war economy. By 1943 60% of Russian output was devoted to its war effort, keeping Soviet army and navy adequately supplied with rearmaments, food, and fuel throughout the war. Through propaganda, Russian labour production shifted importance from developing the economy...
Words: 2023 - Pages: 9
...occurred in 1917 in Russia, and the revolt resulted in a leftist government coming to power. The uprising started in the then-capital city of St. Petrograd, now St. Petersburg, and spread nationwide. Headed by Vladimir Lenin of the Bolshevik party, the October Revolution was the first communist rebellion of the 20th century and was founded on the beliefs of Karl Marx. The events of the October Revolution helped lay the groundwork for Stalinism and the Cold War. The Stage Is Set The Bolshevik Revolution in Russia in 1917 was initiated by millions of people who would change the history of the world as we know it. When Czar Nicholas II dragged 11 million peasants into World War I, the Russian people became discouraged with their injuries and the loss of life they sustained. The country of Russia was in ruins, ripe for revolution. Provisional Government Established During a mass demonstration of women workers in February of 1917, the czar's officials called out the army to squelch the protesters. The women convinced the soldiers to put their guns away and help them in their cause. Czar Nicholas II was dethroned in Russia during this, the "February Revolution." The Provisional Government was formed to replace the void left by the deposed czar. This provisional government was made up of bankers, lawyers, industrialists, and capitalists. The provisional government was very weak and failed to live up to its promise of ending Russia's involvement in the war. They kept Russia in the war and...
Words: 1320 - Pages: 6
...Vladimir Putin has managed to deceive the people and manipulate his current election as the President of Russia. Vladimir Putin appears to have an innate nature to deceive and manipulate. Born in Leningrad (now St. Petersburg) on October 7, 1952, Mr. Putin grew up in a Soviet environment. He served as a counter intelligence agent in East Germany as part of the KGB from 1985-1990. Upon leaving the KGB in 1990 he joined the St. Petersburg reformist party for Russia’s early democratic movement. “It is a résumé that for better or worse may cite as the foundation of his ideas and personality” (Hill). Although, many others believe that the true foundation is when “on August 9, 1999, Yeltsin (Boris Yeltsin, President of Russia from 1991-1999) dismissed Sergei Stepashin, who had been prime minister for three months, and appointed Vladimir Putin to replace him”(Russia). Working for the KGB, Putin became a pro at staying a secret but as the public saw his face more he made his way to “acting President” on January 1, 2000 and was formally elected that March with a surprising 53% of the vote (Chaos). This led to curiosity on how someone can rapidly win 53% of the vote with only five months in office as Prime Minister (Chaos). Suspicion on Mr. Putin’s “main weapon” to how he became in power grew (Chaos). His main weapon was manipulation and it got worse as his popularity over Russia...
Words: 1360 - Pages: 6
...Factors that led to the formation of hostile alliance in Europe from 1800-1900 Odugbesan Opeyemi .A 137479 Umoh nse lina 137493 Idowu Babagbemi .A 13794 Introduction This paper attempts to explain the reason why some European countries joined or formed secret alliances, which was to undermine its purpose of maintaining peace in Europe during our period of study. Shortly after the Franco-Prussian war in 1870, Germany became the European strongest power until the fall of Germany in 1914. The unification of Germany brought about changes to the European diplomatic scene, with the appointment of Otto von Bismarck as the German chancellor in 1871 by Kaiser Williams 1, he reorganized the German military and increased industrialization in Germany. Through Bismarck’s political strategies Germany was able to become European’s instrument for peace and balance of power. According to some research we realize that during the reign of Napoleon Bonarphte coalition were also formed against the French aggression, therefore we can say the alliance systems had been occurring in Europe before the coming of Bismarck, but for the purpose of our study the system of alliance that was going to change the political order of Europe, both in the east and west was formed between 1871-1907. This system of alliance was not aggressive but gradually it generated into the outbreak of the First World War which occurred as a result to the Balkan crisis and various territorial dispute in...
Words: 2226 - Pages: 9
...Peter the Great and the Growth of Russia Czar Peter the Great of Russia was czar (emperor) of all of Russia during the late 17th and early 18th century. Peter Romanov was born on June 9, 1672, fourteenth child of Czar Alexis of Russia with his second wife Natalya, with the name Pyotr Alekseyevich Romanov. Peter the Great was co-ruler with his half-brother Ivan V, until Ivan died in 1696. After the death of Ivan he became the singular czar of Russia and had supreme power over everything. He used his power to force the stubborn Russia into being modernized (Peter the Great). During his rule, peter developed a powerful nation with very modern and developed systems of church, military, and schooling, as well as a strong economy (Trueman). Peter, for the greater good of the nation, wrote a decree saying that the eldest son will always receive all of the inheritance so that the families money will not be spread so thin that there will be no rich households. This was much different than what the citizens were used to (Decree on Single Inheritance, March 23, 1714). This, like many other laws that were made at the time, had a large impact on Russia. His ideas were useful but many people disagreed. There were several rebellions against his rule....
Words: 548 - Pages: 3
...successful were the five-year plans under Stalin? During Stalin’s position as leader of the USSR in the 1930’s, there were a series of economic policies created by him that wanted to achieve industrialization at an advanced acceleration. These economic policies/plans were called five-year plans. Stalin had 3 major five-year plans which lasted in a total of 13 years approximately. These five year plans were to a good extent successful because it brought the advancement of heavy industries, new ways of production, and the expansion of military machinery for WWII as well as the course for the later consolidation of the USSR as a world power. The first five-year plan took place from 1928-1932. The first five-year plan had as a goal to forget the NEP, and to bring industrialization to its highest point with the advancement of heavy industries. The targets and goals that Stalin had set were very high and seemed impossible, nevertheless the first-five year plan brought a boost to the industry in the USSR that it hadn’t been expected. The production of electricity in the country trebled. The output of coal and iron doubled. The USSR seemed to be starting a process of transition, that at first seemed very slow, but it would eventually put industry at its peak. Engineering industry expanded and led to the increasing output of machine-tools, turbines, engines, and machinery. The first-five year plan was the base for the following to come, so during this period, there was a creation of industrial...
Words: 1079 - Pages: 5
...fight back. Following Germany’s attack, Russia invaded Poland, which split the country in half. Hitler, the leader of Germany and Stalin, the leader of Russia, had now controlled not only Poland, but the Baltic states as well. Hitler didn’t stop there. Germany invaded Denmark and Norway next. Throughout World War II, Hitler made sure that the “northern front was secure, and he now had both air and naval bases closer to Britain” (908). After France had fallen, Britain was on it’s own. Churchill, the British prime minister and Roosevelt, the president of the United States, had become...
Words: 701 - Pages: 3
...Historical Leader Paper Catherine the Great Catherine II was originally born Sophie Augusta Fredericka in 1729. She was born to a noble family in and raised in Germany then call Prussia. She was born a princes and was raised as such. Sophie was considered as an immensely beautiful princes. However her family was considered as minor and as poor by royal family standards. What they did have was an important connection to the Russian Empire. Sophie left for Russia in 1744 to meet Empress Elisabeth at the age of 15. As with most princesses of the time she was married off to increase political and family ties. In Sophie’s case this was to Peter III. Grand Duke Peter was the nephew to the Empress and heir to the throne of Russia. Other than meeting Empress Elisabeth and Peter III her childhood was relatively dull. The first time Sophie met Peter she was not fond of him. She described him as being “small and infantile and talked about nothing but soldiers and toys”. He was far too childish for her. In addition Peter would drink in excess at the mere age of 16. Although she disliked him, Sophie’s marriage to Peter was her first step in becoming Catherine the Great. She unlike Peter immediately immersed herself in the Russian culture. She also converted from German Lutheran to Eastern Orthodoxy and thus she was reborn and renamed Catherine. Catherine was an intellect who learned the Russian language swiftly. The newlyweds were nothing alike. Even on their wedding night Peter stayed...
Words: 2783 - Pages: 12
...How far did Russia change in the period 1906-1917? Political paragraph Political changes between 1906-1917 meant a change in the way the country was ruled and began to give some power to the people through the introduction of the Duma’s although the tsar opposed this unautocratic method of ruling. When the tsar released the October Manifesto it gave the people a form of representation never before seen in Russia’s autocratic history. This was brought about by the introduction of the first parliament known as the Duma. There were four Duma’s which all nationally represented the people during this time which took different approaches to the way they ran. The first Duma lasted only 72 days due to the hostility it portrayed against the Tsar and conflict amongst its members. The second Duma was even worse, it was known as ‘the Duma of national anger’ and throughout its power it held boycotts and attacks resulting in only a 3 month ruling. Stolypin changed the way elections for the Duma ran during for the third Duma and it began to run better with the government. The fourth Duma was interrupted by the First World War but lasted the duration. Although Russia was changing politically and the people were gaining national representation Nicolas II was still against this unautocratic way of running the country hence his introduction of the Fundamental law which meant any final decisions were down to the Tsar. This political changes from 1906-1917 were the start of power to the people although...
Words: 503 - Pages: 3
...Volgograd during a typical Monday morning rush hour. This is the second suicide bombing in Volgograd in as many days and authorities believe the bombings are related. In the two days of explosions, more than 30 people were killed placing the city of over one million people. Additionally, the attacks bring to light the terrorist threat Russia is facing as it prepares to host the Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. While terrorists may find it hard to get to the air tight guarded Winter Games, the attacks have shown they can engage targets elsewhere in Russia with relatively shocking ease. Although the city of Volgograd is located approximately 400 miles northeast of Sochi, it serves as one of the key transport sites for southern Russia that contains many bus routes linking it to volatile provinces in Russia's North Caucasus, where terrorists have been in search of an Islamic state. Vladimir Markin, the spokesman for Russia's main investigative agency, said Monday's explosion involved a bomb similar to the one used in Sunday's attack at the city's main railway station (Washinton Post). "That confirms the investigators' version that the two terror attacks were linked," Markin said in a statement. "They could have been prepared in one place." Russian authorities have not placed blame and no groups have claimed responsibility for either bombing; however, the attacks have come several months after Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov threatened attacks against civilian targets in Russia, to include...
Words: 1114 - Pages: 5
