Last of the Empires A History of the Soviet Union 1945-1991

by Keep, John L. H.

• ISBN13: 9780192803191
• ISBN10: 0192803190
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2002-09-12
• Publisher: Oxford University Press

Summary

Described as 'one of the most tragic human experiences in human history', the Soviet Union as an empire holds much intrigue and fascination for the Western world. It held unquestionable status as an empire, with its coverage of over 100 nationalities. Its status as the'Last of the Empires' depends on what the future may hold, but any future 'empires' will undoubtedly be based on intellectual and institutional foundations far different from those developed during the Soviet era. Here John Keep presents the narrative history of the USSR, from the last years of Stalin, to the checkered fate of Gorbachev's reform policies, and the ultimate collapse of the empire under manifold centrifugal pressures. Focusing upon political, economic, social, and cultural developments, thebook is divided into four parts: the last years of Stalin; Nikita Krushchev's abortive attempts to reform Communist rule; the years 1964-1985, covered largely by Breshnev's long tenure of power; and lastly Gorbachev's abortive attempts to promote a reformed, 'democratic', communism.

Author Biography

John Keep is Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Toronto.

Table of Contents

List of Tables	ix
Maps	x
Introduction	1	(6)
I. The Dark Ages	7	(32)
Stalin's Last Years	9	(30)
II. Hope Frustrated	39	(124)
A Reformer in the Kremlin	41	(23)
Civilizing Soviet Government	64	(20)
Reorienting the Economy	84	(19)
Priority for the Village	103	(17)
The Rebirth of Conscience	120	(21)
The National Mosaic	141	(22)
III. Civil Society Resurgent	163	(166)
For Faith and Freedom	165	(18)
The Lubianka and the Kremlin	183	(20)
The Party in Disarray	203	(19)
An Economy in Trouble	222	(22)
Agrarian and Environmental Dilemmas	244	(19)
Social Breakdown, Cultural Renovation	263	(21)
The Russian National Movement	284	(23)
The Restless Empire	307	(22)
IV. The Empire Cracks Up	329	(83)
Revolution from Above	331	(32)
Revolution from Below	363	(21)
Nemesis	384	(28)
Afterword	412	(8)
Notes	420	(17)
Bibliography	437	(24)
Glossary	461	(3)
Index	464