Russian History

Mongols conquer Kievan Rus

Apr 18, 1240

When the Mongols invaded in the 13th century, the destroyed many cities, including Ryazan, Kolomna, Moscow, Vladimir and Kiev. They made all states submit to the Golden Horde empire which lasted until 1480.

Building of St. Petersburg begins

Apr 18, 1703

When Peter the Great stared out at the barren wasteland that he wanted to make his home, he envisoned a gigantic city with towering chapels and homes. After a defeat in the Great Nothern War, Peter was taking a major chance starting cunstruction on his city, but he was bold and he wouldn't back down.

Revolution sweeps Russia

Apr 18, 1917

A series of revolts forces the Tsaris government out the window ing brings in the Communist government inspired by a German philosopher.

Soviets Invade Afghanistan

Apr 25, 1979

The Soviet Union invades afghanistan. Most workd leaders condemn the invasion. Ten years later, the Soviets are defeated and withdraw.

Leonid Brexhnev Dies

Apr 25, 1982

After decades of economic disasters and military buildup, reformers begin to make political and economical changes.

Mikhail Gorbachev leads Soviet Union

Apr 25, 1985

He introduces programs of reform called glasnot and perestroika.

Gorbachev Realeases Human Rights Activists

Apr 25, 1986

Andrei and Elena are realeased from internal exile. They had been exiled for denouncing the invasion of Afghanistan.

Soviet Law Allows Orivate Ownership of Business

Apr 25, 1988

This is the first time in over sixty years. a new partially elected legislative body, the Congress of the People's Deputies replaces the old Supreme Soviet.

Boris Yeltsin is Elected President of the Russian Republic

Apr 25, 1990

He shocks the soviet officials by quitting the Communist Party.

A Group of Communists Stage a Coup that Fails

Apr 25, 1991

The had-line communists tried to seize power from Gorbachev. Yeltsin defends Gorbachev. But he and the other leaders ultimately form the new alliance to replace the Soviet Union and soon Gorbachev resigns.

Soviet Union falls

Apr 18, 1992

It breaks up into 15 independant republics, including russia, the largest.

Kievan Rus sccepts Christianity

Mar 2, 2022

After trying to get the entire population to conform to a religion based on vikings, their leader accepted Christianity because of the strong protests coming from the populace.