February 10, 2015
• Russia and Republics
• Most of Russian cities have a
vibrant social life that can be
compared in spirit to that of
New York.
• In St. Petersburg alone there
are:
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2,000 libraries,
221 museums
80 theaters
100 concert halls,
45 art galleries
62 movie theaters
80 nightclubs.
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Russia
•
European Republics
– Ukraine
– Estonia
– Latvia
– Lithuania
– Moldova
– Belarus
•
Caucasus Republics
– Georgia
– Armenia
– Azerbaijan
•
Central Asian Republics
– Kazakhstan
– Kyrgyzstan
– Turkmenistan
– Uzbekistan
– Tajikistan
Russia – Regions and Countries
Historical Overview of Russia and the Republics
• Ancient Russia
– Slavic tribes conquered by Vikings called
the “Rus”.
• The Mongol Era (1270’s – 1500’s)
– Golden Horde invaded Russia, ruled for
two centuries.
• Russian Empire (1500’s – 1918)
– Russia ruled by the Czars (monarch),
until Romanov family killed in 1918
• Soviet Union (1918-1991)
–
Post WWI - Communist government
ruled the entire region as one country.
• Commonwealth of Independent
States (1992-Present)
– Loose alliance of Russia and the various
Republics.
Rise and Fall of Soviet Union
• 1917 Russian Revolution
– Lenin (Communist Party) takes over
Government and Economy
• 1922 USSR is formed.
– Capital moved to Moscow
• 1944-1980’s Cold War
• USA vs. USSR
– Sputnik 1957
– Yuri Gagarin – First human in space
– Berlin Wall - a barrier that divided Berlin from
1961 to 1989.
– Cuban Missile Crisis 1962
• 1991 USSR falls apart
Population Trends of Russia and the Republics
• Aging, shrinking
populations.
• Central Asian
republics have
fewer people but
higher birthrates,
increasing their
small populations.
Governments of Russia and the Republics
• Governments have tried
to modernize and remove
Communist influences.
• Ukraine is largest and
most successful republic
outside Russia.
• Vladimir Putin rules
Russia through influence
and official powers.
• Central Asian republics
dominated by exCommunists or
dictators… same
president since 1990.
Government “Philosophy” Comparison
Democratic (USA)
• People should be free to earn as
much money as they are able.
• Property should be owned by
individuals and companies.
• Voters should be able to choose
anyone of any party.
• The press should be free to
criticize the government.
Communism (Soviet Union)
• Rich people should be forced to
share their wealth with those
less fortunate.
• Property should be owned by
the state on behalf of all the
people.
• Voters should only be allowed
to choose between communist
candidates.
• The press should never criticize
a communist government.
Command Economy
• Karl Marx – German philosopher
• Command economy – central
government makes all important
economic decisions.
– what products factories manufacture
– what crops to grow
– sets prices.
• Collective farms – large teams of
laborers were gathered to work
together.
Economy of Russia and the Republics
• Russia and republics have ample
natural resources, but struggling
economies.
• Economies dominated by
“oligarchs”, often tied to
organized crime.
• Government corruption and old
infrastructure hinder
development.
• Economies rely on export of
natural resources.
• Russia has advanced sciences,
but lags in engineering.
Cultural Geography of Russia and the Republics
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Most speak Russian or related Slavic
languages.
Most practice Orthodox Christianity.
90% + of Central Asians practice
Sunni Islam, but many other religions
are present in small numbers.
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Architecture
Music
– Tchaikovsky
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The Nutcracker
Swan Lake
• Sports
– Ice Hockey
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“Miracle”
– Basketball
– Tennis
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Maria Sharapova
Anna Kournikova
Current Issues & Events
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Demographic Changes: Low birthrates
among Russians and high birthrates among
Muslim populations are changing several
nations.
•
Separatism and Ethnic Conflict: Ethnic
groups in Chechnya and other places are
fighting to have their own countries.
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Russia’s Place in the World: The Soviet
Union was a superpower, but Russia is much
weaker. They want to be on top again.