-
Bolshevik Revolution
The Bolshevik Party, led by Lenin, seizes power in Russia, overthrowing the Provisionary Government and establishing a socialist state. -
Period: to
Civil War
Bolsheviks have less soldiers but control the central parts of the country -
Period: to
NEP
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. -
Formation of the Soviet Union
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. -
Lenin dies, Stalin seizes the power
After a power struggle within the Communist Party (Trotsky). -
Period: to
First five-year plan
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. -
Stalin's personality cult begins
After the lavish celebration of his 50th birthday, Stalin's personality cult becomes a prominent feature of Soviet popular culture. -
Great Famine in Ukraine
Forced collectivization (famine) results in the death of 7-10 million people in Ukraine. -
Period: to
Great Purge
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. -
Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact
The USSR signs a non-aggression pact with Germany.