ussr

Question 1

berlin wall: built, lentgh, years, demoloished

Answer 1

1961, 50km, 28, 9 November 1989

Question 2

East European countries in the soviet bloc

Answer 2

8

Question 3

Soviet Union stood by as the cold war began to end…

Answer 3

The Soviet Union stood by as the cold war began to end, not by military means, but as a result of mass actions by ordinary men and women

Question 4

The USSR came into being after the

Answer 4

1917 socialist revolution in Russia

Question 5

1917 socialist revolution:

Answer 5

inspired by ideals of socialism, opposed to capitalism, and the need for an egalitarian society

biggest attempt in human history to abolish the institution of private property

consciously design a society based on principles of equality

The makers of the soviet system gave primacy to the state and the institution of the party

Question 6

what happened to the east european countries after ww2

Answer 6

fter WW2, the East European countries that the Soviet army had liberated from the fascist forces came under the control of the USSR
The political and economic systems of these countries were modelled after the USSR
This group of countries was called the second world or the socialist bloc
The Warsaw pact, a military alliance, held them together
USSR was the leader of the bloc

Question 7

Developments in soviet union

Answer 7

A complex communications network
Energy resources including oil, iron and steel
Machinery production
A transport sector that connected its remotest areas with efficiency
A domestic consumer industry that produced everything from pins to cars, though their quality did not match that of the Western capitalist countries
The soviet state ensured a minimum standard of living for all citizens and the government subsidized basic necessities including health, education, childcare and other welfare schemes
State ownership was the dominant form of ownership: land and productive assets were owned and controlled by the soviet state

Question 8

limitations of the soviet system

Answer 8

bureaucratic and authoritarian
Lack of democracy and absence of free speech
Most of the institutions needed reform
Communist party had tight control over all institutions and was unaccountable to the people
The party refused to recognise the urge of the people in the 15 republics that formed the Union to manage their own affairs including their cultural affairs

lagged behind the west

weak economy

Question 9

The soviet union lagged behind the west in

Answer 9

The soviet union lagged behind the west in technology, infrastructure (e,g, transport, infrastructure) and in fulfilling the political and/or economic aspirations of the people

Question 10

soviet invasion of afghanistan

Answer 10

1979

Question 11

how was the soviet economy weak and how did it occur?

Answer 11

The soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 weakened the system even further
Though wages continued to grow, productivity and technology fell considerably behind that of the west
This led to shortages in all consumer goods
Food imports increased every year
The Soviet economy was faltering in the late 1970s and became stagnant.

Question 12

Mikhail Gobarchev had become general secretary of the communist party of the soviet union in? what did plan to do?

Answer 12

1985

normaliza realtions + democratize union

Question 13

why were soviet reforms necessary? what did it do

Answer 13

Reforms were necessary to keep the USSR abreast of the information and technological revolutions taking place in the west

Gobarchev’s decision to normalise relations with the West and democratize and reform the Soviet Union had unintended consequences

East European countries started to protest against their own governments and Soviet control

Gorbachev, did not intervene when the disturbances occurred and the communist regimes collapsed one after another

These developments were accompanied by a rapidly escalating crisis within the USSR that hastened its disintegration

Gorbachev initiated the policies of economic and political reform and democratization within the country
These reforms were opposed by leaders within the communist party

Question 14

what was the coup against gorbachev? what did it lead to?

Answer 14

A coup took place in 1991 that was encouraged by communist party hardliners

Boris Yeltsin emerged as national hero in opposing this coup

The Russian Republic where Yeltsin won a popular election began to shake off centralised control

Power began to shift from the Soviet centre to the republics,
especially in the more Europeanised part of the union, which saw themselves as sovereign states

The central asian republics did not ask for independence and wanted to remain with the soviet federation

In December 1991, under the leadership of Yeltsin, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus, three major republics of the soviet union declared that the union was disbanded

The Communist Party of the Soviet Union was banned.
Capitalism and democracy were adopted as the bases for the post-Soviet republics.

Question 15

three major republics of the soviet union declared that the union was disbanded

Answer 15

In December 1991, under the leadership of Yeltsin, Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus

Question 16

what was the cis?

Answer 16

The declaration on the disintegration of the USSR and the formation of the commonwealth of independent states (CIS) came to a surprise to the other republics, especially to the central asian ones

The exclusion of these republics was an issue that was quickly solved by making them founding members of the CIS

Question 17

what did economic stagnation do in the soviet? how was it caused?

Answer 17

Economic stagnation for many years led to severe consumer shortages
A large section of Soviet society began to doubt and question the system openly

The soviet economy used much of its resources in maintaining a nuclear and military arsenal and the development of its satellite states in Eastern Europe and within the Soviet system (the five central asian republics in particular)

Question 18

how many central asian republics?

Answer 18

5

Question 19

what was the psych + pol shock?

Answer 19

The citizens of the union became more knowledgeable about the economic advance of the west
They could see the disparities between their system and the systems of the West
After years of being told that soviet system was better than Western capitalism, the reality of its backwardness came as a political and psychological shock.

Question 20

gorbachev promised to

Answer 20

reform the economy, catch up with the West, and loosen the administrative system

Question 21

where did nationalism rise in the soviet?

Answer 21

The rise of nationalism and the desire for sovereignty within various republics including Russia, the Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), Ukraine and Georgia proved to be the final and most immediate cause for the disintegration

Question 22

final and most immediate cause for disintegration?

Answer 22

The rise of nationalism and the desire for sovereignty within various republics including Russia, the Baltic republics (Estonia, Latvia, and Lithuania), Ukraine and Georgia proved to be the final and most immediate cause for the disintegration

Question 23

why did the european republics felt dissatisifed?

Answer 23

Ordinary people here felt alienated from the central asians and from each other
The East European republics felt that they were paying too high a price for keeping the central asian republics as a part of the union.

Question 24

what did the new states in the post soviet wanted to do?

Answer 24

Some of them, especially the Baltic and east European states, wanted to join the the European Union and become part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation
The central asian countries wanted to take advantage of their geographical location and continue their close ties with Russia
They also wanted to establish ties with the West, the US, China and others.
Thus, the international system saw many new players emerge, each with its own identity, interests, and economic and political difficulties.

Question 25

shock therapy varied in and was similar in?

Answer 25

Shock therapy varied in intensity and speed amongst the former second world countries Its direction and features were quite similar among the countries

Question 26

what was the privatisaion in shock therpay

Answer 26

Private ownership was to be the dominant pattern of ownership of property. Privatisation of state assets and corporate ownership patterns were to be immediately brought in. Collective farms were to be replaced by private farming and capitalism in agriculture. This transition ruled out any alternate or ‘third way’, other than state-controlled socialism or capitalism.

Question 27

engines of chnage in shock therpay?

Answer 27

The free trade regime and foreign direct investment (FDI) were to be the main engines of change. This also involved openness to foreign investment, financial opening up or deregulation, and currency convertibility.

Question 28

how were the post soviet states absorbed into the west?

Answer 28

The transition involved a break up of the existing trade alliances among the countries of the Soviet bloc. Each state from this bloc was now linked directly to the West and not to each other in the region. These states were thus to be gradually absorbed into the Western economic system. The Western capitalist states became the leaders and thus guided and controlled the development of the region through various agencies and organisations.

Question 29

largest garage sale

Answer 29

In Russia, the large state-controlled industrial complex almost collapsed About 90 per cent of its industries were put up for sale to private individuals and companies. Since the restructuring was carried out through market forces and not by government directed industrial policies, it led to the virtual disappearance of entire industries. This was called ‘the largest garage sale in history’, as valuable industries were undervalued and sold at throwaway prices. Though all citizens were given vouchers to participate in the sales, most citizens sold their vouchers in the black market because they needed the money.

Question 30

consequences of the shock therpay

Answer 30

Decline of the ruble: The value of the ruble, the Russian currency, declined dramatically. High inflation: The rate of inflation was so high that people lost all their savings. No food security due to the disintegrated collective farm system; leading to food imports: The collective farm system disintegrated leaving people without food security, and Russia started to import food. Fall in GDP The real GDP of Russia in 1999 was below what it was in 1989. Breakdown of trading structure with no alternative: The old trading structure broke down with no alternative in its place. Systematic destruction of the social welfare system: The old system of social welfare was systematically destroyed. Poverty due to lack of subsidies: The withdrawal of government subsidies pushed large sections of the people into poverty. Decline of social classes The middle classes were pushed to the periphery of society The academic and intellectual manpower disintegrated or migrated. Emergence of mafias: A mafia emerged in most of these countries and started controlling many economic activities.

Question 31

what was the lack of democratic insitutuons in post soviet?

Answer 31

The construction of democratic institutions was not given the same attention and priority as the demands of economic transformation. The constitutions of all these countries were drafted in a hurry Most, including Russia, had a strong executive president with the widest possible powers that rendered elected parliaments relatively weak. In Central Asia, the presidents became authoritarian. The presidents of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan appointed themselves to power first for ten years and then extended it for another ten years. They allowed no dissent or opposition. A judicial culture and independence of the judiciary was yet to be established in most of these countries.

Question 32

The presidents of - and - appointed themselves to power first for ten years and then extended it for another ten years.

Answer 32

Turkmenistan, Uzebkistan

Question 33

inkom bank?

Answer 33

Inkombank, Russia’s second largest bank, that went bankrupt in 1998.

Question 34

how many banks did russia have?

Answer 34

As a result of ‘shock therapy’ about half of Russia’s 1,500 banks and other financial institutions went bankrupt.

Question 35

when did post soviet economies begin to revive and how?

Answer 35

Most of these economies, especially Russia, started reviving in 2000, ten years after their independence. The reason for the revival for most of their economies was the export of natural resources like oil, natural gas and minerals. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are major oil and gas producers. (RUKTA) Other countries gained because of the oil pipelines that cross their territories, for which they get rent. Some amount of manufacturing has restarted.

Question 36

major oil and gas prdocuers in post soviet?

Answer 36

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are major oil and gas producers. (RUKTA)

Question 37

seccesionist movements in russia?

Answer 37

In Russia, two republics, Chechnya and Dagestan, have had violent secessionist movements. Moscow’s method of dealing with the Chechen rebels and indiscriminate military bombings have led to many human rights violations but failed to deter the aspirations for independence.

Question 38

which country had a war that went on for ten years till when?

Answer 38

Tajikistan: A civil war that went on for ten years till 2001.

Question 39

what is the conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh?

Answer 39

In Azerbaijan’s province of Nagorno-Karabakh, some local Armenians want to secede and join Armenia.

Question 40

conflict in georgia?

Answer 40

In Georgia, the demand for independence has come from two provinces, resulting in a civil war.

Question 41

There are movements against the existing regimes in

Answer 41

Ukraine, Kyrgyzstan and Georgia.

Question 42

value of central asian republics?

Answer 42

The Central Asian Republics are areas with vast hydrocarbon resources, which have brought them economic benefit. Central Asia has also become a zone of competition between outside powers and oil companies. The region is next to Russia, China, Afghanistan, and Pakistan, and close to West Asia. After 11 September 2001, the US wanted military bases in the region It paid the governments of all Central Asian states to hire bases and allow airplanes to fly over their territory during the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq. Russia perceives these states as its ‘Near Abroad’ and believes that they should be under Russian influence. China has interests here because of the oil resources, and the Chinese have begun to settle around the borders and conduct trade.

Question 43

yugoslav wars?

Answer 43

But the most severe conflict took place in the Balkan republics of Yugoslavia. After 1991, it broke apart with several provinces like Croatia, Slovenia . Bosnia and Herzegovina declaring independence. Ethnic Serbs opposed this, and a massacre of non-Serb Bosnians followed. The NATO intervention and the bombing of Yugoslavia followed the inter-ethnic civil war.

Question 44

a multipolar world order is:

Answer 44

the coexistence of several powers in the international system collective security (in which an attack on any country is regarded as a threat to all countries and requires a collective response) greater regionalism negotiated settlements of international conflicts an independent foreign policy for all countries decision making through bodies like the UN that should be strengthened, democratised, and empowered.

Question 45

how many bilateral agreements b/w russia and india

Answer 45

80

Question 46

Indo-Russian Strategic Agreement of..?

Answer 46

2001

Question 46

india is the - largest arms market for russia

Answer 46

2nd

Question 47

India is seeking to increase its energy imports from

Answer 47

Russia and the republics of Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan.

Question 47

soviet union gave aids to psus

Answer 47

It gave aid and technical assistance for steel plants like Bhilai, Bokaro, Visakhapatnam, and machinery plants like Bharat Heavy Electricals Ltd., etc.

Question 48

Lenlin

Answer 48

Vladimir Lenin (1870-1924) Founder of the Bolshevik Communist party Leader of the Russian Revolution of 1917 Founder-head of the USSR during the most difficult period following the revolution (1917-1924) A practitioner of Marxism and a source of inspiration for communists all over the world.

Question 49

lenin's tenure

Answer 49

1917-24

Question 50

most difficult period for the soviet

Answer 50

1917-24

Question 51

lenin was the founder of

Answer 51

Bolshevik Communist party

Question 51

lenein was a practitioner of..?

Answer 51

marxism

Question 52

joseph stalin

Answer 52

(1879-1953) Successor to Lenin and led the Soviet Union during its consolidation (1924-53) Began rapid industrialisation and forcible collectivisation of agriculture Credited with Soviet victory in the Second World War Held responsible for the Great Terror of the 1930s Authoritarian functioning and elimination of rivals within the party.

Question 53

Successor to Lenin and led the Soviet Union during its consolidation (1924-53)

Answer 53

Jospeh Stalin

Question 54

stalin is credited with

Answer 54

Credited with Soviet victory in the Second World War

Question 55

Began rapid industrialisation and forcible collectivisation of agriculture

Answer 55

stalin

Question 56

Authoritarian functioning and elimination of rivals within the party.

Answer 56

stalin

Question 57

stalin is held responsible for..?

Answer 57

Held responsible for the Great Terror of the 1930s

Question 58

Nikita Khrushchev

Answer 58

(1894-1971) Leader of the Soviet Union (1953-64) Denounced Stalin’s leadership style and introduced some reforms in 1956; Suggested “peaceful coexistence” with the West Involved in suppressing popular rebellion in Hungary and in the Cuban missile crisis.

Question 59

what didi nikita khrushchev denounce and introduce?

Answer 59

Denounced Stalin’s leadership style and introduced some reforms in 1956;

Question 60

what did khrushchev suggest

Answer 60

Suggested “peaceful coexistence” with the West

Question 61

khruschev was involved in

Answer 61

Involved in suppressing popular rebellion in Hungary and in the Cuban missile crisis.

Question 62

leonoid brezhnev

Answer 62

Leonid Brezhnev (1906-82) Leader of the Soviet Union (1964- 82) Proposed Asian Collective Security system Associated with the détente phase in relations with the US Involved in suppressing a popular rebellion in Czechoslovakia and in invading Afghanistan.

Question 63

brezhnev proposed?

Answer 63

Proposed Asian Collective Security system

Question 64

brezhnev is associated with?

Answer 64

Associated with the détente phase in relations with the US

Question 65

brezhnev was involved in?

Answer 65

Involved in suppressing a popular rebellion in Czechoslovakia and in invading Afghanistan.

Question 66

mikhail gorbachev

Answer 66

Mikhail Gorbachev (Born 1931) Last leader of the Soviet Union (1985- 91) Introduced economic and political reform policies of perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) Stopped the arms race with the US Withdrew Soviet troops from Afghanistan and eastern Europe Helped in the unification of Germany Ended the Cold War Blamed for the disintegration of the Soviet Union.

Question 67

perestroika

Answer 67

restructuring

Question 68

glasnot

Answer 68

openness

Question 69

boris yeltsin

Answer 69

Boris Yeltsin (1931-2007) The first elected President of Russia (1991- 1999) Rose to power in the Communist Party and was made the Mayor of Moscow by Gorbachev Later joined the critics of Gorbachev and left the Communist Party Led the protests against the Soviet regime in 1991 Played a key role in dissolving the Soviet Union Blamed for hardships suffered by Russians in their transition from communism to capitalism.

Question 70

Mikhail Gorbachev elected as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. date?

Answer 70

1985

Question 71

Boris Yeltsin is made the head of the Communist Party in Moscow

Answer 71

1985

Question 72

1988 June:

Answer 72

Independence movement begins in Lithuania Later spreads to Estonia and Latvia

Question 73

first soviet republic where independence movement begins?

Answer 73

Independence movement first begins in Lithuania

Question 74

1989 October:

Answer 74

Soviet Union declares that the Warsaw Pact members are free to decide their own futures;

Question 75

Gorbachev strips the Soviet Communist Party of its 72-year-long monopoly on power by calling on the Soviet parliament (Duma) to permit multi-party politics

Answer 75

1990 February

Question 76

--- becomes the first of the 15 Soviet republics to declare its independence. When?

Answer 76

Lithuania becomes the first of the 15 Soviet republics to declare its independence in 1990 March

Question 77

Russian parliament declares its independence from the Soviet Union

Answer 77

1990 June:

Question 78

Yeltsin, no longer in the Communist Party, becomes the President of Russia

Answer 78

1991 June:

Question 79

The Communist Party hardliners stage an abortive coup against Gorbachev

Answer 79

1991 August:

Question 80

Three Baltic republics of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania become UN members

Answer 80

1991 September

Question 81

Baltic emembers join NATO

Answer 81

March 2004)

Question 82

Russia, Belarus and Ukraine decide to annul the ---Treaty on the Creation of the USSR and establish the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS)..when?

Answer 82

1991 December 1922

Question 83

Treaty on the Creation of the USSR

Answer 83

1922

Question 84

which states joined cis in 1991? which joined in 1993?

Answer 84

Armenia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan join the CIS (Georgia joins later in 1993)

Question 85

Russia takes over the USSR seat in the United Nations

Answer 85

1991 December:

Question 86

Gorbachev resigns as the President of the Soviet Union; the end of the Soviet Union

Answer 86

1991 December 25:

Question 87

all leaders of the union

Answer 87

Vladmir Lenin (1917-24) joseph Stalin (1924–1953) Nikita Khrushchev (1953–1964) Leonid Brezhnev (1964–1982) Mikhail Gorbachev (1985–1991)