Twentieth Century Russia

by Donald W. Treadgold

This classic work stands as the fullest, most comprehensive text available on twentieth-century Russian history. Donald Treadgold traces the wrenching transformations of Russian society in the opening decades of this century, marking the emergence of Russian Marxism from an obscure radical movement and chronicling its success as a vehicle for the seizure and maintenance of political power. He then examines the development of the policy and practice of the Soviet government over the course of its seventy-year history. Revised and updated to include an account of the countries of the former Soviet Union since the collapse of communism, Twentieth Century Russia presents a seasoned scholar's interpretation of modern Russian history.Although it centers on Russia's political changes throughout the century, this important work also examines developments in the economy, literature, arts, foreign affairs, and religion. The eighth edition is revised from beginning to end and attempts to reflect massive public research of recent years. It carries the Russian epic into 1994: the Brezhnev era, the Gorbachëv interlude, the reemergence of nations of the former Soviet empire. The author adds vital new material to the introduction and provides updated analysis of the prerevolutionary economy and political scene. He also gives in-depth examinations of the attempted coup of August 1991, Boris Yeltsin's rise to power, and the extraordinarily complex economic and political problems facing post-Communist Russia. He concludes with a look into the future, evaluating the prospects for Russian democracy and economic reforms.This newly revised edition of a classic account of Russian history is appropriate as the main text for courses on twentieth-century Russian history or Soviet history, or as a supplemental text for courses on Soviet foreign policy.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Russia

498 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1981

Reviews

[Kirill Abbakumov · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read the 1971 version. This was a classic, textbook overview told in a sweeping fashion, focusing more on breadth rather than depth. The book captured key historical developments in Russian society, foreign policy, and culture between 1900 to 1971 in a very dry, academic way. Provides a good overview of the revolution, post-revolutionary period, and transition away from immediate post-revolutionary fervor to the Second World War and the Cold War.

What I found valuable was the examination of pre-revolutionary society (1900-1917) and the acknowledgement of a multitude of radical revolutionary movements present and active at that time, with Bolsheviks being one among many factions struggling for revolt. These various revolutionary movements, groups, and schools of thoughts have been largely forgotten by now and now, more than 100 years removed, are glossed over or ignored in historical narratives, which focus exclusively on the success of Communists and Bolshevism, who were only one of many, and often a minority revolutionary ideology of the day.

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was fascinating. Long and dry, yes, but remarkably readable for what's been used as a history textbook. I read it for fun, and it gave me everything I wanted (except the post-'87 details of the Soviet Union, specifically the collapse). I very much enjoyed myself, but I think it's time for something lighter.