1917 – 1929: Bolshevik Revolution:

• One of the most explosive political events of the twentieth century 
• Establishment of Soviet Power, introduce communism to the world
• Abolishment of monarchy
• Initiated a period of international isolation

1929 – 1953: Stalin Revolution:

• Joseph Stalin was Soviet Leader from 1929 – 1953
• Russia Become engine for rapid economic development
• Economic control operated through central economic planning
• Party become subject to the personal whims of Stalin and his secret police, an estimated 5% of Soviet population was arrested
• Isolation from the outside world
• Dictatorship 

1991: Collapse of the USSR:

• Last Soviet leader: Mikhail Gorbachev 
• Cold War
• Want to spur economic growth and bring political renewal
• Most divisive issues: 
  • Economic Policy
  • Demands for republic autonomy
• Many controls on international contacts were lifted
• World Re-orders
• Russian Federation formed