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The Bolshevik Party, led by Lenin, seizes power in Russia, overthrowing the Provisionary Government and establishing a socialist state.
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Bolsheviks have less soldiers but control the central parts of the country
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New Economic Policy introduced by Lenin. To revive the war-torn economy, leading to a period of relative stability and economic growth. Former market conditions are partially restored.
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The Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, along with the Ukrainian, Belorussian, and Transcaucasian Soviet Republics, forms the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics under the leadership of Lenin.
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After a power struggle within the Communist Party (Trotsky).
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Planned economic policy instead of NEP. The aim is to speed up the building of socialism. Focus on heavy industry, collectivization of agriculture, and state control of the economy.
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After the lavish celebration of his 50th birthday, Stalin's personality cult becomes a prominent feature of Soviet popular culture.
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Forced collectivization (famine) results in the death of 7-10 million people in Ukraine.
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Stalin initiates a wave of political repression and purges. Several political assassinations; show trials, gulags. The Stalinist system can only be maintained by using terror.
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The USSR signs a non-aggression pact with Germany.