Wiley Short Histories

An acclaimed historian explores the dynamic history of the twentieth century Soviet Union In ten concise and compelling chapters, The Soviet Union covers the entire Soviet Union experience from the years 1904 to 1991 by putting the focus on three major themes: warfare, welfare, and empire. Throughout the book, Mark Edele-a noted expert on the topic-clearly demonstrates that the Soviet Union was more than simply "Russia." Instead, it was a multi-ethnic empire. The author explains that there were many incarnations of Soviet society throughout its turbulent history, each one a representative of Soviet socialism. The text covers a wide range of topics: The end Romanov empire; The outbreak of World War I; The Bolshevik Revolution of 1917; The breakdown of the old empire and its re-constitution in the Civil War; The New Economic Policy; The rise of Stalin; The Soviet's role in World War II; Post war normalization; and Gorbachev's attempt to end the Cold War. The author also explores the challenges encountered by the successor states, their struggles with and against democracy, capitalism, authoritarianism, and war. This vital resource: • Provides a concise overview of the history of the Soviet Union • Includes information on the latest research that takes the broad view of the history of the Soviet Union and its place in world history • Treats scholarly disagreements as part of the history of the influence of the Soviet Union on the course of the twentieth century • Offers suggestion for further readings and a link to online primary sources Written for students of twentieth century Russia, the Russian Revolution, the Soviet Union, and the Cold War, and twentieth century World History.

A Timely Look Back at the Era That Shaped Our World. Thousands of years of recorded history show that the main way in which human societies have been organized is as empires. Today, the evidence of recent European overseas empire's lasting effects is all around us: from international frontiers and fusion cuisine to multiplying apologies for colonial misdeeds. “European Overseas Empire, 1879-1999: A Short History” explores the major events in this critical period that continue to inform and affect our world today. New access to archives and a renewed interest in the most recent era of European overseas empire building and the decolonization that followed have produced a wealth of fascinating information that has recharged perennial debates and shed new light on topics previously considered settled. At the same time, current events are once again beginning to echo the past, bringing historical perspective into the spotlight to guide our actions going forward. This book examines our collective past, providing new insight and fresh perspectives as it: • Traces current events to their roots in the European overseas imperialism of the 19th and 20th centuries • Challenges the notion of political, cultural, social, and economic exchanges of the era as being primarily "Europe-outward" • Examines the complexity and contingency of colonial rule, and the range of outcomes for the various territories involved • Explores the power dynamics of overseas empires, and their legacies that continue to shape the world today