Soviet Union

Biographical Overview & Key Facts

Subject:

Soviet Union

Role / Field:

A vast, communist state spanning Eurasia, existing from 1922 to 1991.

Born:

1922

Died:

1991

Century / Era:

1922s Historical Era

Database Source:

2Day Chrono-Wiki & Wikipedia CC BY-SA 4.0

Origins & Early Journey

The Soviet Union, formally the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, originated in 1922 as a vast transcontinental entity spanning much of Eurasia. This multinational state was founded upon the principles of communism and governed by the Communist Party following the October Revolution of 1917. It was established as a federal union of national republics under Marxist-Leninist ideology.

Innovation & Iconic Era

The foundational structure of the Soviet state was solidified through the merger of the Russian SFSR and its subordinate republics in 1922. Following Vladimir Lenin's death, a significant power struggle ensued, culminating in Joseph Stalin becoming the undisputed personalist ruler of the nation. The entire economic system operated under a centrally planned structure.

Legacy & Impact

As the world's flagship communist state, the USSR was characterized by its massive scale and centralized governance centered in Moscow. It was recognized as the world's third-most populous country and possessed a centrally planned economy throughout its existence. This immense political and territorial entity ultimately dissolved in 1991.

Chronological Milestones & Life Events

1. 1917: 1917 Milestone — This multinational state was founded upon the principles of communism and governed by the Communist Party following the October Revolution of 1917.
2. 1922: Birth of Soviet Union — A vast, communist state spanning Eurasia, existing from 1922 to 1991.
3. 1991: Passing & Historical Legacy — Soviet Union passed away on 1991, leaving an enduring historical legacy.

Historical Fact-Check Quiz: Soviet Union

True or False: “Did the Soviet Union's initial formation in 1922 immediately establish it as the world's most populous nation?”

Answer (FALSE ❌): While it was a massive state, the text notes it was the world's third-most populous country upon its formation.

Contemporary Figures & Related Historical Timelines

• Aage Bohr — Contemporary (Born in 1922) (1922): Pioneering Danish nuclear physicist, Nobel laureate for atomic structure theory.
• Agnes Nixon — Contemporary (Born in 1922) (1922): Pioneering soap opera writer and producer, creator of 'One Life to Live' and 'All My Children'.
• Agostinho Neto — Contemporary (Born in 1922) (1922): Angolan communist revolutionary, poet, and first President of Angola.
• Abby Stein — Contemporary (Born in 1991) (1991): Israeli-American author, rabbi, and activist who speaks on faith and gender identity.
• Alesso — Contemporary (Born in 1991) (1991): Swedish DJ and record producer known for his high-energy EDM anthems.
• Almaz Ayana — Contemporary (Born in 1991) (1991): Ethiopian long-distance runner known for Olympic and World Championship success.
• Ahmed Sékou Touré — Historical peer (Born in 1922) (1922): Founding President of Guinea, a pivotal figure in West African independence.
• Alain Resnais — Historical peer (Born in 1922) (1922): Pioneering French filmmaker exploring memory, consciousness, and narrative structure.
• Adolf von Baeyer — Historical peer (Died in 1917) (1917): Pioneering German chemist known for indigo synthesis and IUPAC nomenclature.
• Andrew Huxley — Historical peer (Born in 1917) (1917): Pioneering physiologist known for the action potential and sliding filament theory.
• 1922 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1922
• 1991 Historical Timeline & Archive — Explore world events and figures from 1991

Frequently Asked Questions about Soviet Union