The document provides information about Russian culture and history. It discusses three periods of Russian history: the Czar Era from 1462-1917, the Soviet Era from 1917-1991, and the Post-Soviet Era from 1991 to present. It notes that the Soviet Era was the most defining period for Russian culture and history. Some key events mentioned include Ivan the Great uniting Slavic territories in the 15th century, Peter the Great modernizing Russia in the late 1600s, and the Bolsheviks led by Vladimir Lenin overthrowing the Czar and establishing communism in Russia in November 1917.

1. Bellringer
• Perform an I see, I
Wonder, I think analysis
on the image to the
right.
• Now, Identify 3 reasons
why you think a body of
citizens would star a
rebellion and attempt
to overthrow a
government.

2. Intro to Russian Culture
Historic Russian Architecture
Historic Soviet Propaganda
SPUTNIK 1957

3. Russian Culture Pre-Test
• True or False: Russia was once known as the Soviet
Union, or U.S.S.R.?
• What kind of government did the U.S.S.R. have?
– A) Socialist B) Conservative C) Communist
• Former Soviet President Joseph Stalin was known to have
killed how many Soviet citizens?
– A) 5 million B) 10 million C) 20 million D) 20 Million +
• True or False: The U.S.A. and the U.S.S.R. fought what
was known as the Cold War?

4. Russian Culture Pre-Test
• True or False: In the early 1960’s the USSR was
caught storing nuclear missiles in Cuba, 90 miles
from the tip of Florida.
• True or False: In 1980, the USA boycotted the
Summer Olympics held in Moscow, USSR.
• True or False: In 1984, the USSR boycotted the
Summer Olympics held in Los Angeles, CA.
• True or False: December 25, 1991 The Soviet Union
collapsed and ceased to exist as a country.

5. Russian Culture
• Three periods:
– Czar Era 1462-1917
– Soviet Era 1917-1991
– Post-Soviet Era 1991-
Present
• Soviet Era is the most
defining era of Russian
culture and history.
• Why?
Vladimir Lenin

6. Russian Ethnic Diversity
• Russia has over 100
Ethnic groups.
• Western Russia is at the
crossroads of the
ancient world.
• Over centuries Russian
territory grew.

7. Russian Ethnic Diversity
• Russian Slavs are the
largest ethnic group in
Russia.
– 80% Russian
– Russian official language
– Religion: Eastern
Orthodoxy
• Turkic and Caucasian
make up other main
ethnic groups.

8. Thoughts to ponder
• Read “The Czarist Origins of Communism” under
the section “Absolute power” to the bottom of
page 1. Stop at the bottom of page 1
• Discuss the differences in monarchical power
between Europe and Czarist Russia
1. Into whose hands does each one concentrate
power?
2. How much political expression is a citizen of each
have?
3. Before 1917, how long had it been since a significant
civil unrest occurred in Russia?

9. Czar Era 1462-1917
• Late 1400’s Russian
princes overthrow the
Mongol’s.
• Re-establish Russia in and
around present day
Moscow.
• Moscow was a major
trading center.
• Ivan III or Ivan “the
Great” unites Slav
territories.
The Kremlin
Red Square

10. Czar Era 1462-1917
• 1533: Ivan “The
Great’s” grandson
becomes Russia’s first
crowned CZAR.
• Known as Ivan “the
Terrible.”
• Was he Good? Serfs

11. Czar Era 1462-1917
• Russia struggled until late
1600’s.
• Peter “The Great “
modernized Russia.
– Enlarged territory
– Built strong military
– Acquired seaports and
established trade
• St. Petersburg established as
capital.
• During 1700’s, poverty and
heavy work fell upon the serfs
as they were exploited by the
Nobility.
Czar Peter I or Peter The Great

12. Thoughts to Ponder
• Read the second page of “Czarist Origins of Communism.”
• Discuss the following ?’s.
1. What did peter the great do upon assuming power in 1696?
1. How?
2. How was Europe progressing Socially and Politically During the era?
1. What was this Era referred to as?
2. How did the Czars react?
1. How did Catherine the Great accomplish this?
3. What was a root cause of the French Revolution?
1. How did the Czars react?
1. What did the do?
4. Discuss the influence of the 1905 Russo-Japanese War upon the
political actions of Czar Nicholas II?
1. What did he do by 1907?
2. How do you think this made the peasnats or “Working Class” of Russia feel?

13. The Russian Revolution
• 1800’s brought long
cycle of discontent
among the serfs.
• 1861: Czar Alexander II
frees the serfs.
– No education
– Moved to cities to work
• Did the Serfs improve
their lives?

14. The Russian Revolution
• Many Russians were
attracted to Socialism.
• Karl Marx was the
father of socialism.
– Public ownership of all
land
– Equal sharing of wealth
• Early 1900’ brought
many strikes and
demonstrations.
Karl Marx; the Father of Socialism

15. The Russian Revolution
• November 1917,
Bolsheviks, overthrow the
Czar Nicholas II.
• Vladimir Lenin
establishes Communism
• Not all welcome
Communism.
– Bolsheviks eliminate those
who oppose
• 1922: Bolsheviks establish
USSR