During its existence, the Soviet Union produced many significant social and technological achievements and innovations. The USSR was one of the most advanced industrial states during its existence. It had the world's second-largest economy and largest standing military.
Soviet Union (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics; U.S.S.R.), former northern Eurasian empire (1917/22–1991) stretching from the Baltic and Black seas to the Pacific Ocean and, in its final years, consisting of 15 Soviet Socialist Republics.
During its existence, the Soviet Union produced many significant social and technological achievements and innovations. The USSR was one of the most advanced industrial states during its existence.
In response to NATO, the Soviet Union in 1955 consolidated power among Eastern bloc countries under a rival alliance called the Warsaw Pact, setting off the Cold War.
The history of the Soviet Union (USSR) (1922–1991) began with the ideals of the Russian Bolshevik Revolution and ended in dissolution amidst economic collapse and political disintegration. Established in 1922 following the Russian Civil War, the Soviet Union quickly became a one-party state under the Communist Party. Its early years under Lenin were marked by the implementation of socialist ...:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/a-globe-showing-the-union-of-soviet-socialist-republics-184937833-58b9dec03df78c353c4b74ee.jpg)
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (also known as the USSR or the Soviet Union) consisted of Russia and 14 surrounding countries. The USSR's territory stretched from the Baltic states in Eastern Europe to the Pacific Ocean, including the majority of northern Asia and portions of central Asia.