Russia Vocabulary Flashcards

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Questions and Answers

What does 'chernozem' refer to?

A permanently frozen layer of soil

Power generated by water

Rich black soil (correct)

Vast, treeless plains

What is hydroelectric power?

Power generated by falling or rushing water

What is permafrost?

A permanently frozen layer of soil beneath the surface of the ground

Describe the tundra.

Vast, treeless plains in high northern latitudes Signup and view all the answers

What is the taiga?

A forest belt that covers two-fifths of European Russia and extends into much of Siberia Signup and view all the answers

What defines steppe climate?

Temperate grasslands with long, cold winters with swirling, sparse snow Signup and view all the answers

What is an ethnic group?

People who share a common ancestry, language, religion, or other set of customs Signup and view all the answers

What does nationality refer to?

Identity with a group of people that share legal attachment and personal allegiance to a particular place Signup and view all the answers

What is a czar?

The supreme ruler in Russia Signup and view all the answers

Define serfs.

A virtually enslaved workforce bound to the land and under the control of noblemen Signup and view all the answers

What does Russification mean?

The idea that everyone in Russia must speak Russian and follow Eastern Orthodox Christianity Signup and view all the answers

Who were the Bolsheviks?

A revolutionary group led by Vladimir Lenin that seized control of Russia in 1917 Signup and view all the answers

What is communism?

A philosophy based on Karl Marx's ideas, calling for equality of classes led by workers Signup and view all the answers

Define satellite countries.

Sovereign countries controlled by the Soviet Union Signup and view all the answers

What was the Cold War?

The struggle between communist and capitalist systems for world influence and power Signup and view all the answers

What is perestroika?

A policy of economic restructuring in the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev Signup and view all the answers

What does glasnost refer to?

A policy of greater political openness in the Soviet Union under Mikhail Gorbachev Signup and view all the answers

What is atheism?

The belief that there is no God or other supreme being Signup and view all the answers

Define patriarch.

A spiritual leader in the Eastern Orthodox Christian Church Signup and view all the answers

What are icons in religious context?

Religious images or symbols Signup and view all the answers

What is a pogrom?

Organized persecution and massacres of Jews in Russia Signup and view all the answers

What does intelligentsia refer to?

The intellectual elite, including prominent educators, writers, and artists Signup and view all the answers

Define socialist realism.

An approach to art that required artists to glorify Soviet achievements Signup and view all the answers

What is a command economy?

A system where a central authority makes key economic decisions Signup and view all the answers

What are consumer goods?

Goods needed for everyday life Signup and view all the answers

What is the black market?

An illegal trade where scarce or illegal goods are sold at high prices Signup and view all the answers

Define market economy.

A system where businesses are privately owned, and production depends on supply and demand Signup and view all the answers

What does privatization mean?

A change to private ownership from government ownership Signup and view all the answers

What is radioactive material?

Material contaminated by residue from the generation of nuclear energy Signup and view all the answers

What are pesticides?

Chemicals used to kill crop-damaging insects, rodents, and other pests Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

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.

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.

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Description

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.