The Soviet Era

The Soviet Era gives a succinct, refreshing overview of the
Soviet Union from the Bolshevik revolution in 1917 to its
disintegration in 1991. After a prologue recounting the attempted
coup d'etat of August 1991 and the events which followed, it looks
at the development and the decline of the Soviet Union, with the
perspective of hindsight provided by the opening up of public
analysis and discussion during Gorbachev's period of
glasnost and perestroika.

Thus the years from 1917 to 1985 are discussed primarily in the
light of their significance for glasnost, perestroika and the
collapse of the Soviet Union. There are three chapters covering the
time of revolution and civil war, Stalin's rule, and the problems
and achievements of the post-Stalin period. An extended survey of
the Gorbachev years follows, with two chapters on political
developments, and one each on the Communist Party and the new
phenomenon of political activity arising from the grass-roots. A
third section discusses the vital policy areas of the economy,
foreign affairs and defense.

The last extended section of the book traces the effects of
Soviet rule and its disintegration on the major nationalities of
the Baltic states, Central Asia and the Caucasus. An epilogue
summarizes the attempts to organize independent republics, and
their association in the Commonwealth of Independent States.
Overall the book provides an accessible, clear, readable survey of
the history of the Soviet Union, suitable for students as well as
the general reader.