Encyclopedia of the Soviet era · 1922–1991
Born in the USSR
The history, culture and daily life of the Soviet Union — verified facts gathered in one place. In Russian and English.
First way in · by time
Timeline of the era
From revolution to dissolution — nine turning points.
Second way in · by topic
Topics
Six broad areas of Soviet life.
Power & Politics
The Party, the state, its leaders, repression and foreign policy.
02Economy
Five-year plans, industrialization, shortages and the planned system.
03Society & Daily Life
Housing, education, medicine, work, fashion and leisure.
04Culture & Arts
Cinema, music, literature, architecture and censorship.
05Science & Space
The space programme, the atomic project and big science.
06Military & Defense
The Great Patriotic War, the Cold War and the defence industry.
07People
Cosmonauts, scientists, leaders, engineers and artists — the lives of the people who shaped the era.
Latest materials
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Luna 2 in 1959: The First Lunar Impact and Its Confirmation
Why Luna 2 was sent to impact the Moon, how Jodrell Bank tracked the flight and why accounts record both 13 and 14 September 1959.
Andrei Rublev: The 1966 Film, Cannes and Its Soviet Release
Why Andrei Rublev has several key dates: production, permissions, the FIPRESCI prize, Soviet distribution and the distinction between versions.
Mikhail Tal in 1960: Becoming Champion Against Botvinnik
How Tal qualified, what the score of 12½ to 8½ means and why the 1961 rematch did not erase his championship or define his entire career.
Science & Space
First into space
The space race defined the era — events that reshaped the 20th century.
About
Facts you can trust
Every entry rests on verifiable sources. Where historians disagree, we show the different positions rather than a single verdict.