Союз Советских Социалистических Республик (СССР)

 

 

Introduction | Quest | What’s the Point | Duties | Conclusion | Until Victory, Forever | Final Report

 

Workers of the World, Unite!

 

Introduction

 

The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR) was a state in much of the northern region of Eurasia that existed from 1922 until 1991. The list of republics in the Soviet Union varied over the time. In its final years it consisted of 15 Soviet Socialist Republics (S.S.R.'s). Russia was by far the largest Republic in the Soviet Union, dominating in nearly all respects: land area, population, economic output, and political influence. The territory of the Soviet Union also varied, and in its most recent times approximately corresponded to that of the late Imperial Russia, with notable exclusions of Poland and Finland. The political organization of the country was defined by the only recognized political party, the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.

 

Quest

 

Form an opinion of the Soviet Union

 

To do this effectively, a special team is being assembled with delegates from both inside and outside of the Soviet Union. They will meet in Moscow to investigate the country, the people, and the culture. Instead of sending only diplomats or politicians, the team will comprise of top officials from the most important agencies so that the facts they find Present as much truth about the Soviet Union as possible. It is hoped that instead of bringing back stereotypes, the team members will come away with an accurate and informed perspective.

Objectives

 

By completing this WebQuest you should achieve the following goals:

 

• gain an increased sensitivity towards others through understanding the culture they grew up in and the politics they live with
• develop an interest in the study of the U.S.S.R.
• use the power of the Internet for advanced exploration of the Soviet Union.
• learn information about five aspects of Soviet culture.
• realize that complex topics can be looked at from various perspectives.
• work with your teammates to problem-solve a combined action plan.
• question the nature of international relations in our more interdependent world.

 

What’s The Point

 

Because the Soviet Union was a complex country, it would be ridiculous to look at it from only one perspective. If you only looked at the surface, you might miss what lies beneath. If you only looked at its government, you might miss important aspects of the people themselves. So the plan here is to divide expertise and look from as many perspectives as you have teammates.  Read the following instructions to get underway. Try to identify with the concerns of your role.

Looking at Issues from Different Perspectives

Note: If you have five people on your team, you can each take one role (or if you work in pairs, up to10 people can be on one team). If you have less than five people on your team, you will have to choose the roles that you think would give you the best understanding. Will you choose similar roles or very different ones? You decide.  You are now ready to accept a role, research that role, and prepare for discussion. Let it be understood that you might not agree with the perspectives or opinions of this role. Despite your own opinions and perspectives, you will be required to discuss your role's perspective with your classmates. Form into groups of five and choose one of the roles below:

 

Duties

Click on the picture below to learn your role in the Soviet National

 

 

 

Historian                            Comrade                             Propagandist                   Red Army Officer          KGB Officer

 

Bravely Commrades, to Arms!

 

 

 Conclusion

We hope that by being a part of Soviet Research Team you now have a better understanding of the complex politics involved in international relations. Through role playing we hope you gained a better understanding of different perspectives and how they shape the lense through which you view World.

 

 Until Victory, Forever

 

                                 Soviet Banner of Victory 1945

        - Flown Over the German Reichstag Following the Fall of Berlin

 

	You have now completed your tasks as members of the Soviet National, all that remains is for you to present your Findings.

 

 

 

 

Click on the Banner of Victory to gain Access to the Final Step of the Process

 

 

Back to Top

 

Introduction Music: Soviet National Anthem 1944 – 1989

Music was composed by A. V. Aleksandrov (1883 - 1946), Lyrics were written by Sergey Vladimirovich Mikhalkov

Lyrics were revised in 1977. J.V. Stalin's name was removed.

 

WebQuest Designed by: Mr. Gilbert