1. Chapter 16 A Diverse Heritage “Regional Russia”

2. Birth of an Empire  Russia began around the Baltic and Black Seas when Vikings from Scandinavia came to the region to take advantage of the river trade between the two seas. They adopted the customs of the Slavic population.

3.  The expansion of the empire halted for a time when the Mongolians destroyed everything in their path “like molten lava”.  Ivan the Great, the Prince of Moscow, finally put an end to the Mongolian rule.

4. Peter the Great  Czar Peter the Great had a goal to modernize Russia and establish more contact with the West.

5. Russian Revolution 1917  Many people were upset with the Czars of Russia when industry grew in the region. Harsh working conditions came about when industry boomed.  The Russian Revolution ended the rule of Czars.  Communist rule soon followed.

6. Communism  The goal of communism is to have citizens own property together and everyone share the wealth.  Soon the Soviet government took control of property and businesses, citizens had to live on collective farms. This led to high production in industry, but millions of people were starved and killed.

7. Religion  Most people in the Western Republics are Orthodox Christians. There are Buddhists, Jews and Muslims in the area also.

8. Changes since the Soviet Union has fallen  People are exposed to more outside influences, including books, magazines, newspapers, movies, music, clothing and foods from around the world.

9. Transcaucasia  Indo-European, Caucasian and Altaic are the most common language families in this region.  Most of the region’s people are Christian or Muslim.  Has significant agricultural output. Ex. tea and grapes.  Literacy rate has risen to nearly 99%.

10. Red Army  By the early 1920’s the Red Army, the military of the Soviet Union, took control of the region. This region began to have many economic and political problems.

11. Silk Road  Connected China and the Mediterranean Sea. Various goods were exchanged including: silk, camels, horses, linen, porcelain and various jewels.

12. Uncertain Economic Future  Nuclear testing in the region has affected many lives of people.  Huge oil fields have been discovered in some of the Republics of the region. This could lead to more conflict.