History of Russia and its Republics
Channel: Rueschhoff Teaches
Date: 25/01/2021

This lesson looks at the historical beginnings of the region of Russia, Transcaucasia, and Central Republics as well as the role that Ukraine had in the establishment of the Russian Empire.

The settlement of the region 45,000 years ago is discussed as is the role that the Vikings and Byzantines had in developing the Slavic tribes that inhabited the region and would later become an empire that stretched over 11 time zones.

The origin of the Kievan Rus, Cyrillic alphabet, and the introduction to Orthodox Christianity is also examined.  We learn about the impact that the Mongol invasion had on the people as well.

After Ivan the Great's defeat of the Mongols, the lesson goes over the three ways that the Soviet Union used to control its people and includes examples such as the Russification; resettlement of the Kulaks, Ingush, and Chechen peoples; and the Holodomor genocide.  It also examines the tragic Armenian Genocide of the Ottoman Empire.

While this lesson is designed to meet the World Geography studies Texas Education Knowledge and Skills (TEKS), anyone who wants to learn more about how the history of the region has influenced the culture today will find it helpful.