Mastering Twentieth Century Russian History presents a vivid and informative account of the events which befell the Russian people during the course of the twentieth century.

- Explores the major developments of the last century, from the revolution of 1905, to the First and Second World Wars, to the Cold War and the rise and fall of the USSR

- Examines key figures and their actions - from Nicholas II, Lenin, Trotsky, Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, Gorbachev and Yeltsin to Putin

- Deals with events right up to 2000, enabling the Soviet experiment to be placed in context a decade after its collapse

- Incorporates the latest research from British, American and Russian historians, examining key controversies and debates

- Includes primary source material, maps, photographs, posters and a full chronology of events

This text is the ideal companion for anyone seeking a clear yet detailed introduction to the fascinating events of twentieth century Russian history.

Norman Lowe has had many years' experience of teaching history at all levels and for twenty years was head of history at Nelson and Colne Tertiary College in Lancashire, UK.

List of Maps
List of Illustrations
Preface
Acknowledgements
Glossary
Chronology
Introduction
Russia Before the First World War
The First World War and the Collapse of Tsarism, 1914-17
The Failure of the Provisional Government and the Bolshevik Seizure of Power, February-October 1917
Lenin and the Bolsheviks in Power, 1917-1924
Stalin in Control: Russia Transformed
The Great Patriotic War and the End of Stalin
The Khurshchev Era and De-Stalinisation,1953-64
The USSR Stagnates, 1964-85
Gorbachev and the End of Communist Rule, 1985-91
Russia Under Yeltzin
Further Reading
Index.