Question

Compare and contrast the changes in the government, economy, and society from the Romanov era under the tsar to the rule by the Bolsheviks. (write a two paragraph amswer) 20 POINTS!!!

Answer 1

The rulers of the Soviet Union viewed empire and imperialism in ideological terms as ‘the highest and final stage of capitalism’.1 By this Leninist definition, the Soviet Union did not identify itself as an empire, and instead, its leaders vehemently denounced imperialism that was carried out by its enemies and competitors: the capitalist states. Despite its own anguish over being identified as an empire, the Soviet Union indeed was one. While the meaning of ‘empire’ has shifted over time, for the purposes of this paper the definition of empire is in the sense of a great power, a polity, ruling over vast territories and people, leaving a significant impact on the history of world civilizations.2 As the characteristics of the Soviet Union are examined, support for viewing the USSR as an empire grows.

The Soviet Union emerged after the Russian Revolution of 1917. The Tsarist Russian Empire’s government was overthrown by the local soviets, led by the Bolsheviks. The Bolsheviks attempted to replace the Russian empire with a communist one, in which socialism would make nationalismobsolete and in place there would be a supra-national imperial ideology.3 Still, coming back to the issue of ‘empire’, the Soviet Union clearly maintained a commanding control over multi-ethnic and multi-linguistic societies that surpassed the extent of the preceding Imperial Russia Empire. A question thus arises: was the USSR a Russian empire? The first aspect to consider is if the USSR was a continuation of Russian imperialist power or if an intrinsic distinction can be made between the two. What is notable to address is what is meant by ‘Russian’ identity and nationality, its formation, and reshaping through time. Once this will be accounted for, this paper will move on with an answer to the question: the USSR was indeed an essentially different empire from the one preceding it, and thus, the USSR was not a Russian empire.

Answer 2

The Romanov Era is the period of Imperial Russia. During this time period, the Romanov family ruled Russia through a system of absolute monarchy. The tsar had complete control over all aspects of government, and his position was hereditary. The last tsar of Russia was Nicholas II, whose rule ended as a consequence of the revolution initiated by the Bolsheviks. After the change of authority took place, the Bolsheviks established the Soviet Union, which was ruled through the Politburo in a communist fashion.

Many aspects of society, economy and government changed when this transition took place. In terms of society, the nobility lost a lot of power and recognition, as the Bolsheviks tried to make these titles obsolete. This brought more social equality to people. Another important change was in terms of religion, as the Bolsheviks did not think that religion had a place in a communist country. In terns of the economy, the Soviet Union saw great modernization. The country went from a mostly agrarian economy to one of the most industrialized countries in the world, culminating in the Soviet achievements in the space race during the Cold War. However, the nation also suffered many economic problems, including poverty and famine. Finally, in terms of government, the rule of the Communist party was very different in ideology, as well as in ways of operating. Bureaucracy became more complex, and a position in the government became possible for people without a noble background.