One of the biggest wars of the Cold War took place in Afghanistan. Before the Taliban, UN Forces, and the War on Terror brought this remote country into focus, Afghanistan was a hot-spot in the Cold War, “the only time the Soviet Union invaded a country outside the Eastern Bloc – a strategic decision met […]
Category: Students’ Choice
Greatest Hits, Red Star, Students' Choice, Week 9 Posts
Czech Yourself
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While the end of the Khrushchev-era meant a turn away from reform in the Soviet Union, not all Warsaw pact states wanted to halt the thaw. In Czechoslovakia, Alexander Dubcek’s leadership and the “Czech Action Programme” led to a period of liberalization across the country. Changes in the Czechoslovakian Communist party regarding secret balloting, set term limits, and … Continue reading Czech Yourself
Students' Choice, Week 8 Posts
Hungary For Change
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On March 6, 1953, millions of citizens of the Soviet Union took to the Red Square to mourn the death of the man who had ruled them for the past 30 years. While they mourned, others quickly looked at the new power vacuum as an opportunity for change. In Hungary, Soviet troops began to pull…
Comrades' Corner, Students' Choice, Week 7 Posts
Keep Calm and “Not One Step Back!”
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A postage stamp with the new catchphrase “Not One Step Back!” Picture this: you’re the leader of a country and its military commander and you’ve been invaded by a powerful German army that is showing its military strength across the continent. Due to your poor judgement, your military is weak, unprepared, and has low morale.…
Students' Choice, Week 5 Posts
Stalin’s Reflection On The First Of The Five Years
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This is Stalin’s reflection on what he called “A Year of Great Change,” the first year of the Five Year Plan. The Five Year Plan is referred to as the Great … Continue reading →
Comrades' Corner, Greatest Hits, Students' Choice, Week 4 Posts
Young, Wild, and Communist
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The Bolsheviks were not after just factory workers, peasants, and farmers in their quest to unite Russia under their communist regime. They believed that if this governmental system was meant to last, it would need the continued support of the youngest generation. According to Vladimir Lenin, “the youth will be faced with the actual task […]
Comrades' Corner, Students' Choice, Week 3 Posts
Front Sweet Eastern Front
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Why do people go to war? Some of the more popular answers are “To defend my home,” or “To defend my country.” Soldiers sometimes asks themselves that while they are out fighting on the line, when the times are tough. Why am I here? Why am I fighting and risking my life? If your country’s…
Red Star, Students' Choice, Week 2 Posts
The Fundamental(ly Flawed) Laws of 1906
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Worker strikes, dissatisfied peasants, and a humiliating military defeat to the Japanese left the Russian Empire on the brink of disaster in 1905. In a last ditch attempt to end the massive unrest and revolution, Tsar Nicholas II issued the October Manifesto. The Manifesto, brain-child of Sergei Witte, called for increased personal freedoms and limited representative … Continue reading The Fundamental(ly Flawed) Laws of 1906
Students' Choice, Week 1 Posts
Rightfully Wronged: A Story of an Assassination
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Alexander II was a remarkably different leader than what the Russia had ever seen before. He served as Emperor of Russia from March 1855 until his death in 1881. His time in office came during the climax of the Crimean War, a time where the country was in desperate need of exceptional guidance. He was seen as … Continue reading Rightfully Wronged: A Story of an Assassination
Students' Choice
Test Sticky Post
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Really wonderful and important posts – like the student choice for the week are going to be sticky!
