Political History of Russia

Moscow princes led Russia during the 14th century, and they expanded their territory through many means up until the 15th century when Ivan III tripled the size of the Grand Duchy of Moscow. However, as his rule continued, Ivan began to assert autocratic control over Russia, or absolutist power. He forced the people of Russia and nobles to acknowledge his absolute power over all affairs of the state, and the same rights would be awarded to his descendants. The first ruler to name himself TSAR was Ivan IV, who was known as Ivan the Terrible. When he took power, he began to assert his power over the nobles by exiling or executing them for any misdemeanor. After Ivan died, his son still remained childless, so when Ivan's son died, the country broke out into civil war, and the period was known as the "Time of Troubles". Some weak tsars ruled during this time, but none were really acknowledged due to the question of succession. In the early 1600's, the national assembly elected Michael Romanov to the throne, and the Romanov family would continue to rule until 1917. They were meant to establish peace in the country, but they also reestablished serfdom, and the burden of most taxes were placed on the peasants. In the 17th century, Peter the Great began to establish Russia as an imperial, industrializing country, as they were behind the rest of Europe in these endeavours. Peter established himself as an absolutist ruler, but also established Russia as a modern state. When Nicolas I came to power in the 19th century, the Decembrist Revolt led him to turn away from the ideas of Peter the Great and adopt "Autocracy, Orthodoxy, and Nationality". After Nicolas, Alexander II took the throne and abolished serfdom in 1861, one of the most important events in Russian history. Between the abolition of serfdom and the start of WWI, notable changes were made in Russia, but tsars were unwilling to relinquish their power. When the Russian Revolution took place in 1917, the Communist Bolsheviks took power, where up until 1991, the Communists ruled over Russia. A period of socialist rule continued until Stalin ruled, but thereafter, the Soviet Union declined until its fall in 1991. The Russian Federation was established after the fall of Communism, and although they have attempted capitalism, many of their old political tendencies still have a place in their country.

View of Russia From an Upper Class Citizens Point of View

I am what is considered a wealthy citizen of Russia, however it has not always been that way.  Although my trading business has granted me much success and fame, I used to be just another "equal" citizen under Stalin's rule.   Although I was very young at the time, and am a very old man now, I still remember my parents being ripped of their dignity and forced to conform to Stalin's communist ways.  For my family, it became very hard to support my 4 sisters and younger brother.  We were made "equal" while that dictator Stalin stole away all of our Soviet traditions.  Our culture was ruined, my family too scared to dare rise against his powerful regime.  Our neighbors were purged, our dear family friends killed for no such reason.  I as a little boy was beaten to the ground one day on my way back from the local school.  After communism disintegrated we were free to share in the western world, with their capitalist ways and free economy, and I was able to support my children, and now my grandchildren and great grand children.

Overlook on Russia by peasants

During the time periods, Russia has changed a lot. We started off as a poor country, with rulers that were very harsh. Many of us were poor with little things to do to make money. Western Europe started to become more industrialized, but Russia stayed agricultural. That is until Peter the Great came along and saved us, in my opinion. He snuck into the Western world to see for himself how they have industrialized and expended with technology and everything, basically. Then he came back and told us about it, we have never been the same! World War I broke out, but we had to leave it early to have our own Civil War. It was rediculous. Rebels killed the poor Romanov family, which crushed me to this day. I cannot believe that, the poor majesties. Then we had Stalin, the scariest man alive. He was a dictator that murdered millions of us, brutally. He was allies with Hitler, and he turned us into Communism. Those poor people in Berlin did not stand a chance. It was embarrasing , really. We could not buy our own clothes, food , anything. Everyone made the same amount of money, nothing was good quality. I was scared to go to the doctors, because I know they had no motivation to do anything correctly. Finally now we are in modern times and we can finally get back on our feet.

Opinions of Stalin

I am a Russian artist, but no longer am I allowed to freely express my artistic talents. Stalin has purged the Russian nation of any art and culture. Stalin has threatened any opposition to this decision with death! I can not do what I love most anymore, and I'm tired of all this oppression and dictatorship. Cultural conformity?! I do not want to be the same as all those around me, I want free expression and free speech. However, I would never dare speak a word of this out loud, for fear of death. These are hard times, and one does not know who he can trust. Under Stalin's "Five-year plan" the basic needs of our country have been neglected, giving way to military improvement. Our standard of living has been lowered greatly, all for buildup of our military! It would do our country much good to focus inwardly instead of on international affairs, as there are already numerous problems that should be dealt with here. I can take no more of Stalin!

A Russian Middle Class Citizens View on World War II

From what I can understand, our leader, Joseph Stalin (who doesn't seem to be the nicest man, especially to his own people) had decided to sign a pact with that Hitler man.  Despite this, our beautiful country has once again been invaded.   With the strength of our people, and the harsh weather conditions we defeated those Nazis and forced them to leave our precious Russia.  You would think that people would learn that after this plan failed once, they would not use it again, however this was not the case.  Anyway, we are now in the midst of war which is threatening to my family for my son will soon be asked to go fight.  There is also talk about an idea called communism.  While I am not quite sure what this is, Mr. Stalin makes it sound like a beneficial plan that will make our country grow and be the largest super-power in the world.  What is so wrong with that? 

Peasant's View of WW2. (chapter 29)

We have been invaded! Germany has come into our land! What are we supposed to do? Hitler is a very powerful man, but Russia is also a very big country. Can he control it all? I am scared for myself, my husband, and my children. I honestly do not know what to do. War will affect everything. It will affect work, buying goods and food, and even daly life. I hope no one gets hurt, oh war is such a terrible thing. Hitler is such an evil man, I hope someone will stop him soon!

Views of the Middle Class

As a member of the middle class, my job pertains more to mental work than physical. I am an accountant, but that is just one profession in a broad range that makes up the middle class. My family and I live comfortable lives, but we are not wealthy. The work I do has become more specialized over the years, and other accountants and myself have come together to earn a good living. I am lucky to be able to afford luxuries for my family, and we eat good meals most of the time. My wife purchases meat, fruits, vegetables, and about once a month we host a dinner party. We even have the luxury of having a maid around the house, who takes care of the children also. Overall, I am a hard-working, moral man. As a member of the middle class, I am expected to know right from wrong, and not resort to drunkenness or gambling.

A Russian Peasant's View of the Rich, Poor, and Those In Between

I am a working class citizen.  Along with other members of my class I joined the labor aristocracy, proving that I am a leader of the working class.  I like to drink a lot and I often get very drunk, however I tend to get into many fights which causes pain and misery for me and my family.  I really don't feel the need to go to church anymore, it's a waste of my time.  God isn't going to do anything to help me make more money and be able to support my family more than I do now.  Churches just support the rich people and benefit only them, that and the fact that there are barely any churches around anymore.  I'm now doing what I can to get by and I just keep going by on the chance that one day things might improve, but for now I'm just coasting by day to day.