In October 1917 revolution swept away the Tsarist system under which Russia had assimilated its neighbouring states. Led by Lenin, the Communist Party transformed this empire into the Soviet Union, one of the most powerful states the world has known. Under Stalin industrialisation was followed by terror, resistance to Nazi invasion, and the Cold War. As a superpower under his successors, Kruschev and Brezhnev, the Soviet Union appeared invincible, but with Mikhail Gorbachev came political reforms which resulted in the collapse of communism in December 1991 and the emergence of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Based on extensive research and first-hand knowledge of the Soviet system, this is a stimulating analysis of the developments which sustained, then finally undermined, the Communist regime. Mary McAuley's clear account of events pinpoints key political developments - revolution, state-building, party-rule, terror, and elections - and fully discusses their significance. Her analysis will be of importance to all students of twentieth-century politics and to everyone wanting a full understanding of the history and development of the Soviet Union.
Reviews
`A clear exposition of 74 years of Soviet power, as good a choice as any for the reader wishing to know the background to contemporary events ... it concentrates on the main structural elements of the edifice, and often illuminates them.' John Lloyd, London Review of Books
`Very lively and immediately accessible, and a first-class introduction to the period and the major issues and dilemmas associated with it.' Mark Galeotti, University of Keele
`Excellent and concise survey.' Evan Mawdsley, University of Glasgow
`Very clear, comprehensive and readable. An ideal introduction to the Soviet Union.' Miss B.J. Williams, University of Sussex
`This is an extremely readable book. Excellent for the beginner and an enjoyable and interesting read for those who already have some knowledge. I would highly recommend it.' Dr Rachel Walker, Essex University
'Her appraisals of Nikita S. Khrushchev the impulsive reformer, and of Leonid I. Brezhnev the gray bureaucrat, are particularly lucid.' The New Leader
'McAuley's book is useful and interesting in that it tackles the particularly fascinating problem of the Bolsheviks' search for political legitimacy after their seizure of power in October 1917.' Ian D. Thatcher, Irish Slavonic Studies'



Book Information
ISBN 9780198780670
Author Mary McAuley
Format Paperback
Page Count 140
Imprint Oxford University Press
Publisher Oxford University Press
Dimensions(mm) 197mm * 130mm * 10mm