ibiblio
Ibiblio: The Soviet Union and the United States
This site from ibiblio.org gives information about the historical relationship between the Soviet Union and the United States. After reading the summary on this page, click on the links at the bottom of the page to read about early...
Federation of American Scientists
Fas: Soviet Union Security Concerns
This article examines the Soviet Union's concerns about its sphere of influence during the Cold War and its desire to protect its interests.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Economic Policy
A great overview of the economic policies implemented in the Soviet Union between 1917 and 1985. Describes collectivization, economic priorities, successes, and failures. Readers will come away with a sound understanding of Soviet...
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: The Khrushchev Era
This article surveys Soviet Union and its leader Nikita Khrushchev, who eventually wielded virtually supreme power after the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1953.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Latvia the Soviet Period
This article details the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Union following World War II and during the Cold War.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Lithuania the Soviet Republic
This article discusses the Soviet Republic that existed in Lithuania during the Cold War.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Congress of People's Deputies
The Congress of People's Deputies was a Russian representative body (legislature) created during the Gorbachev era. This is an excellent article describing how the body was formed, membership, and responsibilities.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Hungary 1956 Statement From Soviets
A brief response from the Soviet Union in reaction to the Hungarian Revolution. Describes their regret and their decision to pull their military from army units from Budapest. Also includes a message from Imre Nagy (Hungarian leader).
BBC
Bbc: Three Days That Shook the World
In 1991, communist hardliners attempted to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev for his reforms leading to the break-up of the Soviet Union. The coup lasted for three days. Article dated August 15, 2001.
Other
St. Martin: Iron Curtain 1945 1947
This article discusses the development of the Soviet Union's Communist buffer zone after World War II and its evolution into the Iron Curtain of the Cold War.
Digital History
Digital History: The Dealth of Stalin and the Cold War
In March 1953, Joseph Stalin, who had ruled the Soviet Union since 1928, died at the age of 73. His feared minister of internal affairs, Lavrenti Pavlovich Beria, was subsequently shot for treason. Nikita Khrushchev then became first...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Vladimir Lenin
A detailed article on the life of Vladimir Lenin. Discusses his life before becoming the leader of the Soviet Union, his political accomplishments as a leader and his death.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
Biographical account of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, reformer of the Soviet Union. Includes information regarding Gorbachev's ascension to power with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and his role in reducing the Cold War...
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Russia the Economy Historical Background
This economic history of the Soviet Union examines the eras of Lenin and Stalin and postwar policy under Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and the reform period of Gorbachev.
Other
Facts About Germany: The Cold War
German authors provide an article about the Soviet Union's influence in Germany during the Cold War.
Central Intelligence Agency
Cia: World Factbook: Belarus
This site from the CIA World Factbook connects to "The World Factbook" page of the country Belarus, former Soviet state. Students must first click on "Country Listing" and then scroll down to Belarus.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: 1989 the Walls Came Tumbling Down
Explains and details the events that led up to and followed the downfall of Communism in Eastern Europe. Very thorough and detailed, including information about leaders, movements, and historical information.
Digital History
Digital History: Collapse of Communism
Overview of the collapse of communism at the end of the 1980s and early 1990s ushered in by Mikhail Gorbachev and his reforms.
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Leadership of East Germany
This site discusses the authority and leadership of the German Communist Party during the Cold War.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: The Polish People's Republic
This article discusses the Soviet Union's influence in Poland following World War II and during the Cold War.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Russia: Postwar Growth Period
This overview of Soviet economic policy after WWII looks at the command or planned economies and decisions of Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and Gorbachev.
PBS
Commanding Heights
This timeline of East Germany from 1945 to 1990 chronicles key events from communist domination to political and economic freedom with the end of the Cold War and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall.
BBC
Bbc: 1989: Czech Police Crush Protest Rally
The people of Czechoslovakia reached a boiling point in 1989 with citizens clamoring for political economic, and social reforms. This article by the BBC portrays how demonstrations for such reforms ended with tragedy when the police...
Library of Congress
Loc: Attacks on Intelligentsia Suppressing Dissidents
A collection of Russian documents (letters,telegrams, etc.) that supported the suppression of dissidents. Also includes an introduction explaining the dissidents.