BBC
Bbc: The Soviet Union's Last Stand
1991 was a tumultuous year for the Soviet Union, filled with reform, an attempted coup, and eventual collapse of the empire. In this series of articles, explore the final days of the ailing Soviet Union.
Federation of American Scientists
Fas: Soviet Union Security Concerns
This article examines the Soviet Union's concerns about its sphere of influence during the Cold War and its desire to protect its interests.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Economic Policy
A great overview of the economic policies implemented in the Soviet Union between 1917 and 1985. Describes collectivization, economic priorities, successes, and failures. Readers will come away with a sound understanding of Soviet...
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: The Khrushchev Era
This article surveys Soviet Union and its leader Nikita Khrushchev, who eventually wielded virtually supreme power after the death of Soviet dictator Joseph Stalin in 1953.
ibiblio
Ibiblio: Soviet Archives Exhibit
This ibiblio.org exhibit discusses in detail the history of the Soviet Union. The site is grouped into two main categories with several sub-headings. One is Internal Workings of the Soviet System including: Repression and Terror: Stalin...
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Latvia the Soviet Period
This article details the occupation of Latvia by the Soviet Union following World War II and during the Cold War.
Other
Jewish News: Gorbachev, Shamir Mark Decade of Soviet Aliyah
This article provides insight into religious persecution in the former Soviet Union and Gorbachev's efforts to curb intolerance.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Lithuania the Soviet Republic
This article discusses the Soviet Republic that existed in Lithuania during the Cold War.
Marxists Internet Archive
Marxists Internet Archive: Communism
Taken directly from the writing of Marx, Engels and Lenin, this entry from the Marxists Internet Archive also includes explanation of the quotations. Very detailed, it will require some sophistication on the part of the reader. Gives an...
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Economic Planning and Control
A very comprehensive look at the centrally planned economy of Russia. Examines how such an economy functions and the priorities set forth by government and government control.
Other
Economic Reasons for the Collapse of the Soviet Union
This complicated essay describes the fall of the Soviet Union in economic terms, with an emphasis on the lack of production.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Congress of People's Deputies
The Congress of People's Deputies was a Russian representative body (legislature) created during the Gorbachev era. This is an excellent article describing how the body was formed, membership, and responsibilities.
Internet History Sourcebooks Project
Fordham University: Modern History Sourcebook: Hungary 1956 Statement From Soviets
A brief response from the Soviet Union in reaction to the Hungarian Revolution. Describes their regret and their decision to pull their military from army units from Budapest. Also includes a message from Imre Nagy (Hungarian leader).
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library & Museum
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum: Soviet Arms Buildup in Cuba
An audio recording of a speech given to Americans by John F. Kennedy on October 22, 1962 where he talks about the buildup of Soviet military power in Cuba. A transcript is also provided. [17:37]
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: The Sources of Soviet Conduct
This sums up the ideas of containment. It is a telegram that was widely published.
BBC
Bbc: Three Days That Shook the World
In 1991, communist hardliners attempted to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev for his reforms leading to the break-up of the Soviet Union. The coup lasted for three days. Article dated August 15, 2001.
Other
St. Martin: Iron Curtain 1945 1947
This article discusses the development of the Soviet Union's Communist buffer zone after World War II and its evolution into the Iron Curtain of the Cold War.
PBS
Pbs: American Experience: Truman: Foreign Affairs
This site gives a great overview of the early Cold War under President Truman. Describes relations with the Soviet Union, the atomic bomb, actions in western Europe, and the Korean War. A great piece that gives the reader a fantastic...
National Archives (UK)
Nalc: Cold War
The tension between Great Britain, United States, and the Soviet Union at end of World War II is surveyed with an excellent presentation with many links and images, a time line, glossary, and archive.
Digital History
Digital History: The Dealth of Stalin and the Cold War
In March 1953, Joseph Stalin, who had ruled the Soviet Union since 1928, died at the age of 73. His feared minister of internal affairs, Lavrenti Pavlovich Beria, was subsequently shot for treason. Nikita Khrushchev then became first...
Wikimedia
Wikipedia: Vladimir Lenin
A detailed article on the life of Vladimir Lenin. Discusses his life before becoming the leader of the Soviet Union, his political accomplishments as a leader and his death.
Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
Woodrow Wilson Center: Digital Archive: Chinese Foreign Policy
Documents on China's foreign relations, focusing on its relationship with the Soviet Union and the United States.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
Biographical account of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, reformer of the Soviet Union. Includes information regarding Gorbachev's ascension to power with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and his role in reducing the Cold War...
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The Cold War Erupts
World War II ended in 1945 and the Cold War began immediately. Read about the mistrust Western Europe and the United States felt towards the Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin. Learn how the Soviets expanded their realm of influence and...