Soviet Union (jan 1, 1921 – dec 25, 1991)

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After winning the civil war that ensued after Russia's fall, the Communists established the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR). In 1924, Joseph Stalin began to gather power and forge the Soviet Union into a powerful industrial giant. He took control of farms and factories, and millions died due to hardships he induced as he shaped the country to fit his vision. He also eliminated those who gained enough power to usurp him.
During World War II the USSR's power and Russia's cold climate helped the Russians push the Germans out of the Soviet Union. The cost of such a feat was great, however, and over 27 million soldiers gave their lives during the course of WWII. By the end of the war, the Soviet Union controlled most of Eastern Europe, and before the end of the decade many had become Soviet Satellites (countries controlled by the USSR).
While many other economies developed and grew, the USSR's economy crumbled during the cold war. The leaders enjoyed great comforts while the general populace endured hardships. It was clear that communism was failing. Mikhail Gorbachev came to power in 1985. He began reforations to reconstruct the economy, but ultimately failed to save the doomed Soviet Union. Other Communist countries overthrew their leaders in 1989, and nationalist fervor rose in the non-Russian Soviet Republics. One by one they declared independence. Communists nearly overthrew Gorbachev in an attempt to preserve the Soviet Union in 1991, but the coup was foiled before it could come to fruition. Gorbachev's presidency ended on the 25th of December, 1991, and the USSR ceased to exist.

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