Last of the Empires A History of the Soviet Union 1945-1991 [Paperback]

In 1945 the USSR was at the height of its international power and prestige, but years of prolonged hardship were to follow as Stalinist dictatorship was ruthlessly imposed. Since 1988 the mantle of Soviet secrecy has begun to lift, allowing historians access to some of the country's vast archival resources.Last of the Empiresexplores the central currents of political, cultural, social, and economic development running through 56 crucial years of Soviet rule, enabling us to gain a greater understanding of what has been called one of the most tragic experiences in human history.

List of Tables
Maps
Introduction
1.I. The Dark AgesStalin's Last Years
2.II. Hope FrustratedA Reformer in the Kremlin
3. Civilizing Soviet Government
4. Reorienting the Economy
5. Priority for the Village
6. The Rebirth of Conscience
7. The National Mosaic
8.III. Civil Society ResurgentFor Faith and Freedom
9. The Lubianka and the Kremlin
10. The Party in Disarray
11. An Economy in Trouble
12. Agrarian and Environmental Dilemmas
13. Social Breakdown, cultural Renovation
14. The Russian National Movement
15. The Restless Empire
16.IV. The Empire Cracks UpRevolution from Above
17. Revolution from Below
18. Nemesis
Afterword
Notes
Bibliography
Glossary
Index

John Keepis Professor Emeritus of History at the University of Toronto.