Russia: The Soviet Political Framework

Legacy of Soviet Union

Russia’s expansion had brought a large number of nationalities under their control.  Communists, despite rhetoric supporting self-determination, never had any intentions of permitting the break up of the Soviet Empire

The decision was made to organize the country based on percentage of ethnic minorities.  The country would be divided into Soviet Socialist Republic (SSR’s).  Smaller minorities assigned Autonomous Soviet Socialist Republics (ASSR’s).  Other areas designated autonomous regions or other nationality based units.  The Russian Republic was the Soviet Union’s dominant republic the centerpiece of a tightly controlled federation.  Russians ran the party in all SSR’s, taught Russian language to all regions.

[The text of the above was written by Scott Girhard, San Antonio College from his online course GEOG 1301 World Geography. Used with permission.]