Russian Revolution-1917
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) came into being after the socialist revolution in Russia in 1917. The revolution was inspired by the ideals of socialism, as opposed to capitalism, and the need for an egalitarian society. This was perhaps the biggest attempt in human history to abolish the institution of private property and consciously design a society based on principles of equality. In doing so, the makers of the Soviet system gave primacy to the state and the institution of the party.
Berlin Wall was built in 1961.
The Berlin Wall stood for 28 years before its fall in 1989. The Berlin Wall did not mark the beginning of the Cold War; it was built during the Cold War as a physical division between East and West Berlin. The Berlin Wall symbolised the division between the capitalist and the communist world. Built in 1961 to separate East Berlin from West Berlin, this more than 150-kilometre-long wall stood for 28 years and was finally broken by the people on 9 November 1989. This marked the unification of the two parts of Germany and the beginning of the end of the communist bloc.
Mikhail Gorbachev was elected as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union-1985
In 1985 Mikhail Gorbachev assumed the role of General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union. As part of his leadership, he designated Boris Yeltsin to head the Communist Party in Moscow and instigated a series of comprehensive reforms within the Soviet Union.
Boris Yeltsin becomes the President of Russia-1991
Boris Yeltsin (1931-2007) was the inaugural democratically elected President of Russia, serving from 1991 to 1999. His ascent in politics began within the Communist Party, and he was appointed as the Mayor of Moscow by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. However, Yeltsin's perspective diverged from Gorbachev's, leading him to depart from the Communist Party. In 1991, he assumed a pivotal role in spearheading protests against the Soviet regime, contributing significantly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. |
