Topic 4: The Soviet Union (1945–1991)

Following enormous losses suffered during the war, the Soviet Union emerged as a superpower determined to protect its interests. A succession of leaders responded to calls for reaction and reform demonstrated through their domestic and foreign policies. Ultimately, the Soviet Union disintegrated during the Gorbachev era to create a new political landscape.

A background study introduces students to the Soviet Union's new role as it adjusted to peacetime conditions. They then investigate ways in which people, groups, and institutions contributed to growth, stagnation and discord in response to internal and external challenges.

The following are focus areas for study in this topic:

• the search for a new Communist solution
• consolidation and stagnation
• collapse of the Soviet Union

Background study

A nation leads the union

• An overview of the Soviet Union before 1945.
• The economic, political, and social system that dominated the Soviet Union.
• The ethnic and religious diversity of the Soviet Union.

Focus areas

The search for a new Communist solution

• The nature and impacts of key aspects of the Communist state.
• The relationship between the Soviet political system and its economy.
• The renunciation of Stalinism and moves towards liberalisation of the economy.
• The impact of policies and events on everyday lives, including the lives of women.

Consolidation and stagnation

• The promotion of nationalism through the arts, technology, and sport.
• The nature and response to dissent within the Soviet Union and the Communist Party.
• The social and economic challenges facing the Soviet Union.

Collapse of the Soviet Union

• Internal tensions resulting from the introduction of reforms such as Perestroika and Glasnost.
• The growth of separatist movements, based on ethnic divisions, and the catalyst for the formation of independent republics.
• The role of significant people, groups and forces, both internal and external (including Europe and central Asia), that contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.