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

by John L. H. Keep

Overview

In 1945 the USSR was at the height of its international power and prestige, but years of prolonged hardship were to follow as Stalinist dictatorship was ruthlessly imposed. Since 1988 the mantle of Soviet secrecy has begun to lift, allowing historians access to some of the country's vast archival resources. Last of the Empires explores the central currents of political, cultural, social, and economic development running through 56 crucial years of Soviet rule, enabling us to gain a greater understanding of what has been called one of the most tragic experiences in human history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780192803191
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	09/12/2002
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	498
Product dimensions:	7.88(w) x 6.38(h) x 1.01(d)

About the Author

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

Table of Contents

List of TablesMapsIntroduction1. I. The Dark Ages2. II. Hope Frustrated3. Civilizing Soviet Government4. Reorienting the Economy5. Priority for the Village6. The Rebirth of Conscience7. The National Mosaic8. III. Civil Society Resurgent9. The Lubianka and the Kremlin10. The Party in Disarray11. An Economy in Trouble12. Agrarian and Environmental Dilemmas13. Social Breakdown, cultural Renovation14. The Russian National Movement15. The Restless Empire16. IV. The Empire Cracks Up17. Revolution from Below18. NemesisAfterwordNotesBibliographyGlossaryIndex