For about 70 years of its long history, Russia was part of the Soviet Union. Explore before-and-after stories about the country and its people, writers, artists, culture, rulers and worldwide influence.
Authorized by officials in Washington, James Donovan - the lawyer who saved Rudolf Abel's life - is sent to Berlin. His mission is to negotiated a spy...
The Soviet leader backs down when the US promises not to invade Cuba.
The Russians win Berlin, and the last days of Hitler follow.
In a fit of rage, the Tsar strikes his oldest son in the head with his iron-tipped staff and kills him.
Dostoevsky is sent to prison in St. Petersburg, a beautiful city of palaces and cathedrals.
Khrushchev believes President Kennedy will not react if he places nuclear missiles in Cuba.
Defeated in battle, Napoleon resigns, but he flees exile and comes back to continue the fight.
French power increases as Napoleon's armies conquer much of Europe, then decreases after France's disastrous 1812 invasion of Russia.
Realizing he is powerless to stop the unrest happening in his country, Nicholas abdicates the throne for both himself and his ill son.
Although Nicholas is out-of-touch with the common people, he has the support of the aristocracy for most of his reign.
Albert Einstein is the first to understand that matter can become energy and theorizes the equation (E=mc2).
Ivan becomes addicted to mercury and falls from grace into madness.
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