Curated OER
The Cold War (1945-1991): An Ideological Struggle
Covering the main topics of the Cold War, including some excellent discussion points on the methodologies of the Soviet and Eastern Bloc nations versus the US and Western Democracies, this presentation is a good way to introduce the...
Curated OER
Why Communism Failed
In this Why Communism Failed worksheet, learners read an account from a Russian citizen (primary source) then write short answer responses to five questions.
Curated OER
Russian Poisoning
Students read a newspaper article about Alexander Litvinenko, a former Russian KGB officer who was mysteriously poisoned in 2006. They discuss and define vocabulary words, complete comprehension worksheets and analyze the grammar and...
Library of Congress
Loc: Revelations From the Russian Archives: Secret Police
This site from the Library of Congress is a brief description of the history of the secret police in the Soviet Union. Its origins are found during the time of the revolution.
Other
Hoover Digest: Remembering the Katyn Massacre
Description of one of the most horrific atrocities committed by Stalin's secret police whereby almost 22,000 Polish prisoners were forced to dig their own graves and then were shot to death. They were never tried or accused of any crimes.
USA Today
Usa Today: Putin an Enigma to the World
This article from 2002 looks at the reign of Vladimir Putin as head of Russia. Discusses his accomplishments and downfalls and what others have to say about his performance.
Other
Nat'l Security Agency: National Cryptologic Museum
On this site one can find the National Security Agency's history of cryptology, some online exhibits, and sections on mathematics, education, and more.
BBC
Bbc: Britain, Russia Square Off in Spy Case
A May 2007 new report from the BBC on the smoldering dispute between British and Russian authorities over the poisoning of former KGB and agent Alexander Litvinenko and British demands for the extradition of his accused killer.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Woodrow Wilson Center: Digital Archive: Mitrokhin Archive
The Mitrokhin Archive consists of summarized notes taken by Vasili Nikitich Mitrokhin, a former KGB archivist who defected to the United Kingdom after the fall of the Soviet Union. Primarily, this collection contains items from his...