Russia Vocabulary Flashcards

Agriculture and Geography

• Chernozem refers to rich black soil that is highly fertile, essential for agriculture.
• Hydroelectric power is energy produced from falling or rushing water, a key renewable resource in the region.
• Permafrost is a permanently frozen layer of soil, affecting land use and infrastructure in Russia.
• Tundra consists of vast, treeless plains found in high northern latitudes, characterized by a harsh climate.
• Taiga is a forest belt covering two-fifths of European Russia, extending into Siberia, known for coniferous trees.

Climate and Demographics

• Steppe climate is defined by temperate grasslands that experience long, cold winters with sparse snow.
• An ethnic group consists of people sharing common ancestry, language, and customs, crucial in Russia’s diverse cultural landscape.
• Nationality denotes a group's legal attachment and allegiance to a specific place or nation.

Historical Context and Governance

• A czar is the title for the supreme ruler in Russia, historically symbolizing autocratic power.
• Serfs were virtually enslaved workers bound to the land, under the control of noblemen, central to Russia's feudal system.
• Russification aimed to enforce Russian language and Eastern Orthodox Christianity on all ethnicities within the Russian Empire.

Revolutionary Movements

• Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, seized control of Russia in 1917, initiating communist rule.
• Communism is a socio-political philosophy advocating for class equality, inspired by Karl Marx's theories.

Cold War Era and Policies

• Satellite countries were sovereign nations under the influence of the Soviet Union during the Cold War.
• The Cold War signify a prolonged conflict between communist and capitalist ideologies for global influence.
• Perestroika was a policy focusing on economic restructuring in the Soviet Union during Gorbachev’s leadership.
• Glasnost pursued increased political openness and transparency within the government under Gorbachev.

Religion and Culture

• Atheism is the belief in the absence of a God or supreme being, prevalent in Soviet ideology.
• A patriarch serves as a spiritual leader within the Eastern Orthodox Church, a significant aspect of Russian culture.
• Icons are religious images or symbols integral to Orthodox Christianity practice.

Social Issues and Artistic Expression

• A pogrom refers to organized massacres and persecution of Jews in Russia, reflecting historical anti-Semitism.
• Intelligentsia denotes the intellectual elite such as educators, writers, and artists contributing to cultural discourse.
• Socialist realism was an artistic approach mandated by the Soviet government, glorifying communist achievements in art.

Economic Systems

• A command economy is characterized by a central authority, usually the government, making significant economic decisions.
• Consumer goods are essential items necessary for daily life, reflecting the standard of living in society.
• The black market entails illegal trade of goods, often at inflated prices, circumventing government regulations.
• A market economy signifies a system where businesses are privately owned, with production determined by supply and demand dynamics.
• Privatization involves transferring ownership from the government to private entities, reshaping the economic landscape.

Environmental Concerns

• Radioactive material is associated with contamination from nuclear energy production, raising health and safety issues.
• Pesticides are chemicals utilized to eliminate agricultural pests, posing challenges regarding health and environmental impact.

Test your knowledge of key vocabulary terms related to Russia with this set of flashcards. Each card includes a term and its definition, covering important concepts such as soil types, energy sources, and climate features. Perfect for students and enthusiasts of Russian geography and environment.