Russia's Roots, Part 4

The Soviet Union rose and fell in less than a century. But while it lasted, it was one of history's most powerful political unions. Among its official missions: to foster worldwide communist revolution.

During World War I, Russia tried to fight a modern war without a modern political and economic system. The resulting hardships helped radicalize the population and bring about the Russian Revolution of 1917. That revolution, in turn, created a power vacuum that Vladimir Lenin's Bolsheviks were bold enough to fill.

Members, read this article now

Get it as an easy-print PDF