...Background. After years, even decades of growing disenchantment of the Russian people with their government leadership and inability to provide a stable economy, Russia of the 1990’s was about to experience even more turbulence in an attempt to provide stability, economic growth and become a superpower on the world stage once again. As the end of the Cold War drew to a close, Russians demanded more freedom and independence from the old Soviet-style ways of operating their country and thus led to a break from the Soviet Union in 1991. While Gorbachev attempted to maintain his power and keep the Soviet Union united, the fate of Russia had already been decided and a new leader emerged by the name of Boris Yeltsin. However, unbeknownst to the Russian citizenry, their country was about to experience greater instability and deterioration in their economy by way of ill-advised reforms, more specifically poorly planned tax policies, inexperienced leadership, lack of and disrespect for rule of law, continuous changing of laws and their Constitution, inefficient and upside-down government infrastructure, absent institutionalization, increased foreign government debt (see Exhibit 12), hyper-inflation (see Exhibit 7D), devaluation of their currency and finally a contraction of their national GDP. These serious issues, or flawed attempts to make Russians lives better, resulted instead in corruption, violence, poor national health, distrust of government leadership, and a bankrupt...
Words: 1815 - Pages: 8
...1881-1914. Firstly we can look at the repression form of Russification. This was a policy that ensured that the language of Russian was spoken throughout all of Russia and was enforced onto all ethnicities and people of Russia. This would be sure to repress all the cultural differences between people and help to give the Tsar more control over the vast population of Russia. This reform was introduced by Alexander II but reached new heights under Alexander III. This policy ensure that all legal documents were to be written in Russian, and all other languages were forbidden from schools meaning that this plan would affect the future of the Russian population ensuring the children would all talk the chosen language. This policy also led to attacks on the Russian Jews which suffered greatly under Alexander III, many attacks were organised and supported by the government which involved beating, robbing, raping and even killing Jews, and eventually this led to many Jews fleeing Russia for new lives. This policy showed the weakness of the Tsars opponents as he could simply affect the people in their everyday lives and affect the future of the population easily with no real opposition or backlash from it. Also the fact that the Jewish people fled means that he identified a huge weakness in them and by them moving out of Russia it made his job easier with less cultural diversity. Next we look at the press restriction by the Tsar and how that explained the weakness of his opponents. During...
Words: 1458 - Pages: 6
...A2 Russia and its Rulers 1855–1964 Past Questions workbook How to use this booklet Your Russia and Cold War teachers will discuss what they want you to do in each Cold War lesson (now that your coursework is finished). This booklet has a page for each examination question that has been asked about our course since the change of course in 2010. For each question there is a section from the guidance given to examiners for marking it, and a section from the examiner’s report on each question. Each page also contains a section where you can record what you have learned about answering each question. Tackling past questions is an excellent way of revising. You could be doing several things in any order: * Reading the examiner’s remarks; * Planning an answer to the question; * Using your notes to find the evidence you’ll need to answer each question; * Sending a plan to a friend for constructive criticism. Before you get going – please note the advice that the Chief Examiner has given to his exam markers for the last year: ------------------------------------------------- “Candidates are expected to demonstrate understanding of the issues in each of their selected questions over a period of at least a hundred years (unless an individual question specifies a slightly shorter period.) Candidates are reminded of the synoptic nature of the Unit. Answers are required to demonstrate understanding of the processes of historical continuity, development...
Words: 10577 - Pages: 43
...Situation in Russia * Russian politics gained considerable stability after Vladimir Putin became president in 1999. * Country managed to maintain 5.2% growth in 2008, the Russian economy contracted by 7.9% in 2009. The Russian economy recovered in 2010, however, registering a growth rate of 3.9%. * Key Factors * But despite its established and seemingly stable political structure, Russia is considered to be one of the most corrupt nations in the world. * Russia scored 2.1 out of 10 in the 2010 Corruption * Country’s current account surplus reached $72.6bn in 2010, which is an increase of around 47% compared to the previous year. * The new liberal immigration laws brought in many foreign workers, especially from the EU region; indeed, it was reported that the total number of foreign-born individuals who had entered Russia had risen to 14.5 million as of the end of 2008. Immigration laws play a vital role in attracting foreign direct investment (FDI) and, in Russia's case, they are presently adding to its strengths. * GDP Contribution by sector: Agriculture | 4.2% | Industry | 33.8% | Services | 62.0% | Russia has maintained a surplus position since 2000. Improved competitiveness and higher oil prices facilitated a dramatic turnaround in terms of current account, from a deficit of around 0.5% of GDP in 1998 to a surplus of 12% of GDP in 1999. This surplus increased further during 2000 to 18% of GDP. This marked improvement in...
Words: 1371 - Pages: 6
...Napoleon at Waterloo in 1815. However this threat came to nothing. Despite the efforts of successive Tsars, the country remained backward and bureaucratic. When change at last occurred, it was through the work of the revolutionaries during the 1917 Revolution. Imperial Russia following the Decembrist Revolt of 1825 , the entire Russia population was plagued with fear, trapped in a country dominated by ruthless totalitarian leaders. and served as an effective way to ultimately control the entire population. Due to many of the despotic policies imposed upon Russian citizens, widespread discontent arose and revolutionary groups began to form. Although terrorism remained relatively quiet during most of the 19th century, tension began to build and by the early 20th century revolutionary movements were in full force, as a “new type of terrorist emerged”(cite). Russia from 1825 until the mid-20th century was, for the most part, a totalitarian state, dominated by tyrannical ruler who used methods of terror to achieve and later consolidate their power. A common strategy used throughout this century in suppressing opposition was the exploitation of a certain group, dubbing all members “enemies of the people.” Russia also experienced a century of economic instability as a result of the implementation of different reforms that at times succeeded, but mostly failed. The general feeling of discontent and resentment toward the government thus became obvious as people began to form revolutionary...
Words: 338 - Pages: 2
...Within the context of the period 1801-1917, to what extent was the fall of Tsarism a consequence of significant social development in Russian society? Tsar Nicholas II’s abdication on 2nd March 1917 marked the end of Tsarism’s iron grip on Russia and the subsequent revolution was the clearest possible sign of political and social upheaval. Finally, its people had tired of their nation’s own backwardness and were looking for improvements to an archaic system which they had endured for hundreds of years. Seldom does a revolution succeed without violence being an integral part of its development, and the Russian revolution was no exception. However, there are economic and political factors that helped contribute to the outbreak of this civil disobedience, which must be considered. Underpinning these issues is the stark difference in the social dynamics of Russia between the early 19th century and the early 20th century. The social dichotomy that had presented itself was one that no other European power had experienced. Russia was the only European super-power to still employ serfdom by the time of its termination, for its roots had been deeply embedded in Russian culture. Historian Jonathon Bromley believes the longevity of serfdom was because it “served the economic interests of the nobility and the political interests of the Tsarist state.” This implies that the economic policy and political foundations of the country were predicated on its social structure; therefore social stability...
Words: 5215 - Pages: 21
...will emerge from it. Russia’s chaos was caused by economic turmoil and political upheaval. Economic slump on the stock market, devaluation of the ruble, a default on foreign debt by banks and government are parts of a climax and the general instability of Russia is worsen by them. These things sometimes happen in the process of transforming a country from a command into a market economy.www.russiatoday.com; Fr. Aug. 21 1998. There was a sharp increase in the inflation level after it has been brought down to as little as 5.6% a year in July. The prices began to rise fast and a lot of people were thrown far beyond the poverty level. The anatomy of the financial crisis consists of several causes. The first cause is the so-called “Asian factor”. There was economic turmoil in Thailand first and then it spread all over Asia: South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore and Malaysia in 1996- 1997. "All these countries and more have seen their economies wrecked over the last couple of years. Now Russia has its currency heading for the basement and is basically defaulting on its national debt". http://www.islamic.org.uk Aug. 39 1998.It has scared foreign investors. “This cooled their enthusiasm for investment in riskier economies” (Russia today) and they start taking their money out of its stocks and converting their rubles into dollars. It will take a lot of time for them to gain confidence in Russian “emerging” market again--.www.russiatoday.com; Fr. Aug. 21 1998. Although the Russian...
Words: 1292 - Pages: 6
...The Provisional Government was reluctant to act effectively of the problems of Russia in 1917, allowing the growing popularity and strength of the Bolsheviks as they played on these mistakes. With the Bolshevik under the leadership of Lenin, they managed to create the October Revolution. Figures like Leon Trotsky and the weaknesses of Kerensky were both significant factors that led to the Bolshevik Revolution. Lenin’s role in the revolution was vital but he would have not taken power were it not for the failures of the Provisional Government, which was the most crucial factor that caused the revolution and led the Bolsheviks to power. Word count: 104 One of the key element to the success of the Bolshevik revolution was Lenin’s orating and leadership skills, personality and his determination to take power. Lenin’s April theses where he spoke of ‘Peace, Bread and Land’ increased the popularity of the Bolshevik as it reached out to the peasants who made up most of the population. The April theses was effective because it highlighted the feelings and aspiration of the workers and soldiers. The Bolsheviks pacifist stance from the very start of the war and Lenins’ promise of ‘peace’ proved a popular idea and this gained them thousands of followers. With inflation causing prices, of the food that was available, to increase Lenin’s offer of food was an immense attraction. Lenin realised the importance of the peasants for support so he promised them land to get their support. The April...
Words: 2082 - Pages: 9
...By the twentieth century, over three-quarters of the Russian population were unhappy with their position in the Empire. By 1905, rebellion was inevitable Russia like many of the great super powers had been trying to expand its empire and in doing so Russia came into direct conflict with Japan who also wanted to expand throughout the Far East. Although Russians saw themselves as a far superior military power, they suffered a huge defeat; this led to many Russians questioning the Tsar’s leadership because Nicholas II was advised by Plevhe (Minister of interior) to go to war with Japan in order to heighten patriotic favour and national pride suggesting that Tsar Nicholas was uninterested and unprepared during his reign. Additionally, the defeat made the Tsar look even weaker and therefore encouraged the revolutionaries to act out due to the fact that resources diverted to the war lessened the already limited supply of grain and fuel leading to rising inflation which affected many Russians citizens. However, it could be argued the defeat to Japan worked in the Tsar’s favour because the Russo-Japanese war prolonged the revolution as many of the events of the war took place after the revolution had began. During Nicholas II reign, Russians saw industrialisation and urbanisation occur; nonetheless peasants and workers alike still suffered horrendous living and working conditions which was made worse by the economic downturn in the early 1900’s leading to a lack of jobs and regular...
Words: 347 - Pages: 2
...Russia and its Rulers 1855-1964 An overview This overview The Nature of Russian Government Ideology Structures and Institutions Opposition The nature of opposition and how it changed Repression as a way of controlling opposition Reform as a way of controlling opposition Social and Economic Change In the countryside In the towns and cities War and Revolution and the development of Government Government - Ideology Strong continuity in autocratic Tsarist rule 1832 Fundamental Laws (Nicholas I) “The emperor of all Russians is an autocratic and unlimited monarch: God himself ordains that all must bow to his supreme power, not only out of fear but also out of conscience” 1906 Fundamental Laws (Nicholas II) “The All-Russian Emperor possess the supreme autocratic power. Not only fear and conscience but God himself commands obedience to his authority” Government - Ideology Subtle changes in the extent to which different Tsars were autocratic. 1861 Emancipation Edit (Alexander II) Though Alexander II used his autocratic powers to enact the edict, this was only after a long period of discussion and consultation with his nobles, which started in 1856. 1881 “The Reaction” of Alexander III to his father’s assassination. Under the influence of Pobodonostev, who believed that most Russians were incapable of understanding the complexity of the world, and therefore could not be given freedom, or the vote...
Words: 2462 - Pages: 10
...The Russian Revolution altered the lives of the Russians by overpowering the Tsar, because of the hardships they experienced under his rule. They believed that with this they could have more freedom of speech in which they could have a say on how their nation would be governed and also a fairer share in the wealth of their sovereign state. The revolution in Russia was then led by Lenin who had modified their lives. This included women being given the same rights as men, because women under the Tsar's rule, were considered second class citizens. Which meant that they can't get jobs, every signing of documents and procuring of properties would need to be approved by the husband or the father. Other modifications brought about by the Russian revolution were; workers having power in the factories, banks taken over by the state, debts to foreign governments remained unpaid, rich people gave up their money to help the less fortunate, people had to have the same amount of wage regardless of what position they hold in the workplace, divorce was made easier in which all that couples had to do was to ask for it, the calendar were made the same as the rest of Western Europe, the use of courtesies such as "Sir", and "Count", were abolished. Lastly procedures in the court of law were made simpler in the hope that justice would more likely prevail. In addition to this Lenin put his own managers in factories to impose strict discipline to the...
Words: 254 - Pages: 2
...Alekhina had already taken the child’s existence into account. Reaction: The crime that the two women had committed was very disrespectful, and definitely deserved harsh prosecution. They interrupted a church service and subjected people to whatever point they were trying to make. They covered their faces in church, a big disrespect in the Orthodox religion, stormed the Altar, forcing the church service to stop. Also, women are not allowed in Orthodox Altars, sang a prayer to the Virgin Mary which included swearing. Sinning there. and had their backs to the Altar, another disrespect. Imagine this happening in a Catholic church or a Muslim mosque. No one would be defending these girls if that was the case. But it was an Orthodox church in Russia, which is why people find this anti-Putin-ism related. They interfered with the Orthodox religion, showing disrespect and I support the court ruling. However, the issue that one of the woman brings up...
Words: 362 - Pages: 2
...TABLE OF CONTENTS CHAPTER 1 CULTURAL HISTORY OF EUROPE 3 CHAPTER 2 CONSUMERS. 5 TRENDS 7 CHAPTER 3 LUXURY INDUSTRY 8 MAJOR PLAYERS 9 BIBLIOGRAPHY 12 CULTURAL HISTORY OF LUXURY Russia has a longstanding history of luxury with a large emphasis on furs, gold, diamonds and the booming caviar industry. It has some of the most grandiose palaces in the whole world. We can consider Russian culture closely linked to term of luxury, because of the rich history and long tradition of impressive achievement in arts. We can say that Russian literature; ballet, classical music, architecture and paintings are part of there, as well as worldwide heritage in cultural and luxury world. SOME CHRONOLOGICAL FACTS EARLY 18TH CENTURY After the decree of Peter The Great, Russia became more opened for European way of life and traditional Russian appearances and fashionable Western clothes replaced dresses. MID 18TH CENTURY One of the most interesting facts regarding luxury has been related to Catherine the Great coronation gown. It was one of the most prestigious and glamorous dresses of that time in world of aristocracy. It was made out of luxuriant silver silk, with glamorous sleeves, lace bertha, blue sash, etc. Her crown was a byzantine throwback, joined by two rows of pearls. It contained a 4,936 diamonds and a giant 415-carat ruby perched on top of it. 1911 French master of haute couture Paul Poiret was amazed by Russian culture and he created the first European fashion...
Words: 2329 - Pages: 10
...was then elected to help with a turn-around. He proclaimed his intention to restore Russia to superpower status and to recapture much of the global that the Soviet Union once possessed. President Vladimir Putin of Russia began Russia’s turn-around in 2000. Putin got Russia to join the G-7, making it the Group of Eight (G-8), which was a part of the world’s leading economies, yet they were not qualified to join. The new Putin administration diminished the influence of Regions by making a new geographic layout, which was combined of the 83 Regions, Republics, and others into eight new administrative units. The Internal Periphery remains unstable, even after Vladimir Putin promised victory. In order for the Internal Periphery to reach levels of wealth that Russia carries, they have a way to go in regards to health, income, opportunity, and education. Russia is already a country that is rich in oil and natural gas. The natural resources are vast and varied, including diamonds, gold, platinum, lead, etc. Across the country, you can find iron ore, coal fields, and also a variety of available raw materials. The BRICs is the world’s largest emerging markets. It consists of Brazil, Russia, India, and China. Russia is now part of the BRIC. Russia is continually trying to recover. Private property, upstart companies, trade, foreign investment, and stock exchanges, all have found their way into Russia. Russia’s leaders are hoping that improvements in the social circumstances of the average...
Words: 530 - Pages: 3
...Vlad Shtyrts Mr. Caruso H Mod Literature 1 May 2014 Analysis of corruption in Russia “They steal,” said Nikolai Karamzin, Russian poet, historian, and philosopher, to sum up Russia. His statement is quite accurate, because that is exactly what has been happening in Russia for the past half a millennia. Corruption is one of the main causes of all the problems in Russia. It has spread from the central government into the economy, education, health care, and national defense. Corruption directly impacts the lives of Russian citizens and the relationship with foreign nations. Russia is known to have a long history of corruption, every year it is becoming an increasing problem because it brings an overall instability to the country and affects all of its citizens. The money intended for the social systems is being routed into the pockets of rapacious politicians and criminals. What is corruption? According to the Oxford dictionary corruption is “dishonest or fraudulent conduct by those in power, typically involving bribery,” this is exactly what it means, but in Russia it is much more complex. There are many categories, types, and tier of corruption in Russia, each dealing with different aspects of the practice. Two main types exist, the grand and petty corruption. Grand corruption deals with the government branches, and has a greater monetary value. This type involves corruption in politics, lawmaking, and government contracts. Petty corruption is are the insignificant bribes...
Words: 7938 - Pages: 32
