History of the USSR

Formation and History

• The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was formed on December 30, 1922, after the Russian Revolution of 1917.
• It was the world's first socialist state, established by Vladimir Lenin and the Bolsheviks.
• The USSR was a one-party state, governed by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU).

Government and Politics

• The government was divided into three branches: the legislative (Supreme Soviet), the executive (Council of Ministers), and the judicial (Supreme Court).
• The Communist Party held significant power and influence, with its General Secretary serving as the country's de facto leader.
• The USSR was a federal state, comprising 15 Soviet Socialist Republics (SSRs), each with its own government and autonomy.

Economy

• The USSR had a planned economy, with state ownership of key industries and resources.
• The government controlled the means of production, distribution, and allocation of goods and services.
• The economy was based on five-year plans, which set targets for economic development and growth.

International Relations

• The USSR was a major world power, playing a significant role in international relations and global politics.
• It was a founding member of the United Nations and participated in various international organizations.
• The USSR was a key player in the Cold War, engaging in a decades-long rivalry with the United States and its allies.

Dissolution

• The USSR began to dissolve in the late 1980s, with the introduction of reforms by Mikhail Gorbachev (perestroika and glasnost).
• The Soviet Union was eventually dissolved on December 26, 1991, with the signing of the Alma-Ata Protocol.
• The 15 Soviet Socialist Republics became independent countries, marking the end of the USSR.