Russian History, Culture. and Judaism. Course Overview

Transcription

1 Russian History, Culture and Judaism Course Overview Russian History, Culture and Judaism will be an overview of the development of Russian governments, religions, and philosophies with an emphasis on Judaism. Topics that will be covered will include: Russian Origins, Early Russian Groupings, Early Russian Religious Development, Various Russian Historical Developments, Russian Political Development, Russian Economic Development, Russian Social Development and Modern Russian Transformations and the development of Judaism. Primary Text: A History of Russia â John Lawrence Secondary Text: What is to Be Done? - Vladimir Illyich Lenin Lesson 1 â Russian Origins and Geography Handouts: Maps of Neolithic Russia Early Russian Maps Content A. In the 7th century BC, Cimmerians and Scythians emerged from the Russian Steppes.

2 B. Russian living quarters at this time often included winter huts dug into the ground like a cellar with a pointed roof heated by red-hot stones. C. Early influences on Russian Scythian culture came from the Greeks and other empires from the South. D. Scythians influenced Russian culture through Russian dress and ornamental Jewelry. E. The first river-civilizations to take hold in Russia were located near the Volga River. F. Among the earliest empires that failed to conquer ancient Russia were the Romans. G. In approximately 860 AD, Rorik of Jutland established Novgorad on the Volkhov River. 1. How do the Russian Steppes affect Russian History? 2. How did ancient Russians live? 3. How was early Russian Culture influenced?

3 4. How did Scythians influence early Russian culture? 5. How did the early river-civilizations in Russia develop? 6. How did outside empires fare against Russian defenders? 7. Why is the establishment of Novgorad important? Additional Internet Resources for This Lesson: members.aol.com/teachernet/russia.html members.aol.com/mrdonnhistory/k12east.html Lesson 2 â Kiev and Russian Religion Handouts: Russian Orthodox Art Art of Ancient Kiev Content

4 A. The Greeks were responsible for inventing the Russian alphabet. B. The Southern and Western Slavs were traditional Christians before the fall of the Roman Empire. C. After the fall of the Roman Empire, Christianityâ s center of power moved From Rome to Constantinople. This Eastern form of Christianity became known as the Eastern Orthodox Church. D. The new sect of Christianity in Constantinople was to become the dominant form of Christianity in Russia. E. By 1100 AD, Kiev was larger and more splendid that any other Western European city. F. The Great Fire of 1124 destroyed most of Kiev, but it remained a great center of trade. G. Key royal marriage alliances were made with both the Western and Eastern forms of Christianity. 1. Why are the ancient Greeks an important part of Russian History? 2. How did Christianity spread to various parts of Russia?

5 3. How did the fall of the Roman Empire affect the history of Russia? 4. Why was Constantinople an important factor in the history of Russia? 5. How did Kiev compare to other European capital cities in the 12th Century? 6. Why would Kiev be a natural area for a tremendous amount of trade? 7. Why were royal marriages key to the developing history of Russia? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson wrc.lingnet.org/russorth.htm en.wikipedia.org/wiki/kievan_rus Lesson 3 â The Mongols and Russian History Handouts Mongol Art Maps of Mongol Conquest Content

6 A. The Mongol or Tartar invasions of Asia and Europe were considered, at the time, to be the greatest disasters in the history of those two continents. B. Despite the ferocity of the Mongols, they were responsible for unifying the greatest amount of land area in the history of the world. C. This unification allowed trade to flourish as never before because Mongol punishment for theft was death and punishment was certain. D. Mongol influence in Russia continued until E. By the early 14th Century, Mongol influence in Russia began to lessen. Once again, the lower Volga became the domain of native Russians. F. Russian princes, who were individually unsuccessful in repelling the Mongols, now united to drive the Mongol Hordes from their cities. H. The Russian Orthodox Church was also instrumental in regaining control of Russia from the Mongols. 1. Why were the Mongol invasions considered to be the greatest disaster Asia or Europe had ever endured in the history of the world?

7 2. How did the Mongols bring unification to the lands they conquered? 3. How did the Mongols bring prosperity to many of the lands they conquered? 4.Why was the control of the lower Volga River so important to the Russians? 5. How did the Russian princes finally overcome the Mongols? 6. How was the Russian Orthodox Church instrumental in helping Russia eject the Mongols? Additional Internet Resources for This Lesson members.aol.com/teachernet/russia.html Lesson 4 â Russia and Poland handouts Maps of Medieval Poland Art of Medieval Poland

8 Content A. The ideological struggle for Poland was between the Russian Orthodox Church and the Western Catholic Church of Europe. B. Had the two sects of Christianity compromised, millions of lives would have been saved and the economic status of Russia would have been much higher. C. Lithuania was an Orthodox country which tried to resist Western Christianity and subjugation by Poland, but was ultimately unsuccessful. D. Discrimination against Jews in Russia had its origins in Poland. Very few Jews had lived in Russia before the Polish Pogrom (persecution). Jews fled Poland to Russia, but eventually met with the same fate there. E. As in most countries then and now, the religious power within Russia held tremendous political and economic advantages over their religious rivals. F. Eventually, Lithuania and Poland became Catholic and Russia maintained its Orthodox stance. This led to conflict between Russia and its neighbors. G. These conflicts continued until 1939 when Stalin and Russia forced Lithuania Poland into the Soviet Union. Despite an official end of the conflict, the rivalry of Catholicism and Orthodox Russians remained under the surface. The schism continues to this day during the modern CIS period.

9 1. How was Poland affected by Western Catholicism and Russian Orthodoxy? 2. How would the history of Russia have changed if the two major religious sects of Christianity had compromised? 3. Why did Lithuania and Poland appear to be a threat to Russia? 4. How did discrimination against the Jews in Russia develop? 5. How do religions within a country affect its economics and politics? 6. How did the development of Communism in 1917 affect Western Christianity and Russian Orthodoxy? 6. Why do you think a unified state under Communism might have appealed to masses of Russians caught in the conflict between Western Catholicism and Russian Orthodoxy? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson worldcatlibraries.org/wcpa/ow/1efa0c9ad544f730a19afeb4da09e526.html Lesson 5 â Novgorod

10 Handouts Ancient map of Novgorod Photos of Russian Architecture Content A. Originally, Novgorod was a separate territory apart from Russia; similar to the differences between France and Switzerland. B. Rich merchants and princes were the rulers of Novrogod. Class differences were clearly defined and heeded. C. The merchant class set the tone socially for the rest of the territory; Methods of dress were strictly adhered to. D. Novrogod had extensive trade with both Russia and its Southern European neighbors. E. Novrogod was the center of trade for Russia and goods it wished to sell to Western Europe. F. The leading Russian personage at this time (1240) was Alexander Nevski, who successfully defeated both Swedish and German invasions. His exploits are captured in the highly acclaimed silent film by Eisenstein, â œalexander Nevskyâ.

11 G. Ivan the Great around 1500, moved thousands of families from Novrogod to Moscow; these events led to the movement of Russian commerce from Novrogod to Moscow. 1. How did Novrogod differ from Russia? 2. How did the social structure of Novrogod differ from Russia? 3. How did your class affect your future prospects in both Novrogod and Russia? 4. Why was Novrogod an important economic link for Russia? 5. Why was Alexander Nevsky an important Russian personage? 6. Why were the force migrations of Ivan the Great in 1500 an important economic event in Novrogod? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson suggested film: Alexander Nevsky

12 Lesson 6 - Moscow Handouts Maps of 1500 Moscow and Russia Examples of 1500 Russian Architecture Content A. Because of her remoteness and lack of seaports, Moscow and Russia lagged behind most of her Western European counterparts. B. Trade constrictions caused by conflict between Western Catholic and Eastern Russian Orthodox economies also stunted Russian economic growth. C. The feudal system of bound service was inescapable in Russia; every man the Czar was responsible to someone else. Merchants were one of the few groups to escape this system. D. During this period of Russian history, the Mongols or Tartars were always a constant threat from the Steppes (mountains). E. Moscow replaced Novrogod as the economic and social center of Russia. F. The Eastern Russian Orthodox Church strengthened its hold on the religious

13 elements within Russia as the move from Novrogod to Moscow weakened the Western Catholic contacts with the Catholic states of Western Europe. G. As the Catholic Church became dominant in Western Europe, the Eastern Russian Orthodox Church began to dominate most of the political actions of Russia. 1. Why did Russia lag economically behind most of their Western European counterparts? 2. How did the conflict between the Western and Eastern types of Christianity within Russia retard some of its economic progress? 3. How did the feudal system operate within Russia? 4.Why were the Mongols (Tartars) a constant problem for Russia? 5. Why did Moscow replace Novrogod as the economic center of Russia? 6. How did the move from Novrogod to Moscow affect the balance of power between Western Catholics and Eastern Russian Orthodox Christians? 7. How did the religious monopoly of the Eastern Russian Orthodox Church within Moscow lead to substantial political power within Russia?

14 Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson Lesson 7 â Early Russian Tsars Handouts Art of Early Russian Tsars Art of Early Moscow Content A. Dmitry of the Don turned back the Mongols (Tartars) in 1380 on the Field of Snipe; losses were in the hundreds of thousands of lives. Both armies suffered over 80% casualties in this massive battle. B. The Russian word â œtsarâ comes the Roman Empire word for â œcaesarâ. C. Ivan the Great followed Dmitry in the early 15th century and further decimated the Mongol (Tartar) presence in Russia. D.The territory now under Ivan the Great was larger than any other country in Europe; not in population, but in land size. E. In 1439, the Western Catholic powers within Europe tried to assert their

15 religious power within Russia; the Eastern Russian Orthodox Church resisted. F. The architecture of Moscow was not Russian; it was imported from Italy and created by Italian architects. G. An advisory council to the Tsar called the Boyars, springing from Russian nobility, had varying degrees of influence with a succession of tsars. 1. How did Dmitry of the Don help Russia economically? 2. How did the Mongols (Tartars) affect Russian history and economics? 3. How did Ivan the Great follow Dmitry in Russiaâ s efforts against the Mongols (Tartars)? 4. Why were incursions by Western Catholic religious groups like the Council of Florence a threat to the Eastern Russian Orthodox Church? 5. How did the architecture of early Moscow develop? 6. Why was it necessary for the Tsar to occasionally listen to advice from the Boyars? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson en.wikipedia.org/wiki/list_of_russian_tsars

16 Lesson 8 â Ivan The Terrible Handouts Art of Ivan the Terrible Art of Moscow - Ivan the Terrible Content A. Ivan the Terrible criticized his Boyars and executed a leading prince by the time he was thirteen. B. Ivan was one of the few Tzars that was actually feared by the Mongols (Tartars). He was also known as â œgroznyâ by the Mongols which translates to â œformidableâ. C. In a dispute with Poland, Ivan was unsuccessful in conquering the Poles and missed an opportunity for a Russian seaport during peace negotiations. D. Ivan wisely made a long-term pact with England which allowed Russia to gain a seaport at the White Sea and develop trade. E. Ivan began a Russian tradition of great purges from the Royal Court. These Royal â œrevoltsâ were usually ill-advised and killed thousands of innocent people. These purges would later be copied by other Tsars, later communist leaders and even other countries like China.

17 F. Ivan the Terrible tortured and killed his eldest son. His emotional state BEFORE this event was considerably unstable; his emotional state after it is fairly obvious in this artistâ s rendering (above) by Repin. G. At the end of his reign in the late 16th Century, Ivan tried to hold his Diminishing power by splitting Russia into two states, but eventually failed. Thousands again were needlessly slaughtered. 1. How did Ivan the Terrible begin his reign of terror? 2. Why was Ivan the Terrible feared by his enemies? 3. How did Ivan the Terrible miss an economic opportunity with Poland? 4. Why did Ivan the Terrible create a friendly pact with England? 5. How are purges conducted? 6. Why was Ivan the Terrible considered mentally unstable by most observers? 7. How did Ivan the Terrible try to keep his power at the end of his reign? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson

18 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ivan_the_terrible Lesson 9 â The Ukraine and Lithuania Handouts Maps of the Ukraine and Lithuania Art of Ukraine and Lithuania Content A. Poland and Lithuania had increasingly become rivals during the 16th Century. B. Poland was dominated by the Catholic Church and Lithuania was dominated by the Eastern Russian Orthodox Church. C. Poland began an unsuccessful campaign against the Cossacks and a chain of events began that eventually led to the Ukraine and Lithuania coming under Russian domain. D. Boris Godunov followed the exploits of Ivan the Terrible with sensible foreign affair policies. Although not the Tsar (Theodore was Tsar), Godunov was the power behind the throne at the end of the 16th Century. E. Russia was able to repulse military advances of Poland after the death of

19 Godunov with the aid of a national army raised by Prince Pozharsky. F. After the defeat of the Poles, Russia began the 17th Century with a new Royal Family, the Romanovs. It would be the last of the Russian Royal Dynasties. 1. Why did Poland and Lithuania consider each other rivals? 2. Why are religious differences between countries sometimes a source of friction? 3. How did the Cossacks enter into the Poland-Russia equation? 4. How did Boris Godunov affect Russiaâ s development at the end of the 16th Century? 5. How was Russia able to resist Polish advances in the later 16th Century? 6. Why is the ascension of the Romanovs a turning point in Russian History? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson vlib.iue.it/history/europe/lithuania.html vlib.iue.it/history/europe/ukraine.html

20 en.wikipedia.org/wiki/boris_godunov Lesson 10 â Midterm Exams and Paper Areas of Concern A. Discuss the origins of Russia B. Discuss the development of Russian Classes C. Discuss the emergence of Russian Tsars Lesson 11 â The Cossacks Handouts: Art of Romanov Russia Map of 17th Century Russia Content A. Members of each class of Russians could not escape whatever class they were In. If you were born a farmer, you and your children had to remain farmers. B. Russian Eastern Orthodox priests were different from Catholic priest in very fundamental ways; the most profound difference was that they had to be married in order to be ordained.

21 C. In an unusual, but effective strategy, Russia employed the military stance of counting on its enormous population to deter invasions rather than manning all of their borders with soldiers. D. Cossacks are often portrayed as being nomadic and poor, but nothing could Be further from the truth. They were often wealthier than most other segments of Russian society because of their ability to trade and always returned to the same area of the Ukraine where they had permanent settlements. E. The Cossacks allied themselves with the Tsars of Russia. This strategy served them well during the Russian monarchies, but practically eliminated their entire culture after the Russian Revolution of F. Cossacks were also well-educated and sent their sons to study at Moscow Universities. G. In partnership with Peter the Great, the Cossacks produced some of the greatest advances of 17th Century Russia. 1. Why were you a farmer if you were born to a farmer in Russia? 2. How did Russian Eastern Orthodox priests differ from Western Catholic priests? 3. How did Russia defend its enormous borders?

22 4. How are Cossacks portrayed in stereotypes? 5. Why did Cossack alignment with the Tsars prove disastrous for their culture in 1917? 6. How did Cossacks educate their children? 7. Why do you think Peter the Great trusted the Cossacks and worked with Them so closely? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson suggested film: Tarus Bulba en.wikipedia.org/wiki/history_of_cossacks Lesson 12 â The Russian Eastern Orthodox Church Schism Handouts Art of 17th Century Russia Maps of 17th Century Russia Content

23 A. By the 17th Century, Russian religious power was split between the â œold Believersâ and those who wished to reform the older version of Eastern Orthodox Christianity. B. A Russian Orthodox â œold Believerâ named Avvakum was persecuted and and eventually executed for trying to keep the Russian Orthodox Church from changing. C. With the assistance of the Ivan the Terrible, the reformed Russian Orthodox Church gained the upper hand and practically exterminated all of the â œold Believersâ. D. Peter the Great did not single out the â œold Believersâ for persecution; he was an ardent reformer in all areas of Russian development and promoted the elimination of class distinctions wherever possible. E. Peter the Greatâ s early military defeats led him to take a more cautious path later in his rule. F. Peter the Great adopted many Western modernizations and social reform was often a result of these modernizations. G. Peter the Great recognized the importance of the need for more Russian seaports. His military efforts were always with this important objective.

24 1. How did the schism between the â œold Believersâ and Russian Orthodox Reformers develop? 2. Why was Avvakum persecuted? 3. How did Ivan the Terrible affect the balance of power with the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church? 4. How did Peter the Great treat the schism between the two major sects of the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church? 5. How was Peter the Great influenced by his early military defeats? 6. How did modern socialization in Russia occur as a result of Western modernizations adopted by Peter the Great? 7. Why did Peter the Great seek additional seaports for Russia by any means necessary? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson mb-soft.com/believe/txc/orthodox.htm.wikipedia.org/wiki/eastern_orthodoxy

25 Lesson 13 â Russia in the 18th Century Handouts Art from 17th Century Russia Maps of 17th Century Russia Content A. Russian Literature began to flourish during this period. One of the early great Russian writers was Michael Lomonosov (Literary Reveries). B. Peter the Great and Catherine the Great were the two prime movers in this century of Russian progress. C. Under Catherine the Great, tax farming, export duties and monopolies were Eliminated. Factories were encouraged throughout Russia. D. Unfortunately, serfdom had made Russia primarily illiterate, so there was very little in the way of an educated middle class. E. Western Europe was in the middle of an Industrial Revolution in the 18th Century; Russia developed much more slowly. F. Tsar Alexander was successfully able to resist Napoleanâ s invasion of Russia in

26 1812. This unified a great segment of Russian society. G. Previous to the event of the great victory of 1812, Alexander had failed to galvanize Russia toward modernization during the 18th Century. 1. How did Russian literature develop in the 18th Century? 2. How did Peter the Great and Catherine the Great affect Russia in the 18th Century? 3. What steps did Catherine the Great take to invigorate the Russian economy? 4. Why was Russia primarily illiterate in the 18th Century? 5. Why did Russia develop more slowly in the Industrial Revolution compared to its Western European neighbors? 6. How did Napolean help to unify Russia? 7. Why was Tsar Alexander unable to unify Russia previous to the French invasion of 1812? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson

27 hdl.loc.gov/loc.pnp/ppmsca Lesson 14 â Russia in the 19th Century Handouts Timelines of Romanov Tsars Maps of 19th Century Russia Art of 19th Century Russia Content A. The victory over Napolean and France in 1812 had united Russia and gained Them more bargaining power with the major Western European powers. B. Nicholas faced the rising tide of revolution within Russia because of the revolutions that had taken place previously in England, France and the United States. C. As a result of this paranoia of revolution, Nicholas began to censor the 19th Century press within Russia. This led to more discontent. D. The paucity of a significant middle class within Russia made it ripe for a social upheaval such as a revolution.

28 E. Marxism had its beginnings as a result of Csar Nicholas Iâ s censorship of the press and books among the intelligentsia. F. In 1881, the moderate Tsar Alexander II was assassinated by Marxists and Succeeded by the far more reactionary Alexander III. This created an even greater gap between the monarchy and the masses. G. The Russian Revolution was now not a matter of if; it was a matter of when. 1. How did Russia gain prestige with its Western European neighbors in the early 19th Century? 2. How did previous revolutions throughout the world affect Tsar Nicholasâ s view of 19th Century Russia? 3. Why did Tsar Nicholas try to censor the press and books within Russia? 4. How did the censorship of the press and books foster discontent within Russia? 5. How did the scarcity of the middle class within Russia contribute to revolution? 6. How did the assassination of Tsar Alexander II affect the possibility of Russian

29 revolution? 7. Why was a Russian revolution almost a certainty at this point in time of Russian history? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson suggested film: Nickolas and Alexandria Lesson 15 â The Industrial Age of Russia Handouts Art and Photos of 19th Century Russia Maps of 19th Century Russia Content A. Support for Marxism in Russia sprung from two primary sources; one was the mass of industrial workers that were being exploited in the cities, the other was the mass of peasants who were being exploited in the rural areas.

30 B. One event that hastened the onslaught of Marxism in rural Russia was the Over-exportation of grain to other countries. Russia was one of the largest producers of grain in the world, yet millions were starving in the countryside because the Tsars over-exported Russiaâ s reserves of grain. C. Overpopulation and starvation led to millions of Russians migrating to other countries; this led to a drain of valuable human resources from Russia. D. Marxism began to develop in Russia in the 1880s; it proliferated during the 90s and into the next century. E. The development of communism in Russia goes along these evolutionary lines; first Marxism espoused social reform, then Marxism under Lenin espoused social reform BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY, then Stalin developed the modern form of Russian communism by eliminating most social reform, but maintaining his policies (as a dictator) BY ANY MEANS NECESSARY. Each succeeding form of socialism had become less responsive to the needs of the individual and harsher in the treatment of the masses. F. Russian leaders after Stalin would eventually swing the pendulum of individual freedom the other way, culminating with the elimination of the Soviet Union in 1989 and the creation of CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States).

31 1. Why was Marxism able to take root in Russia in the late 19th Century? 2. How did the over-exportation of grain contribute to the fall of the Russian monarchy? 3. How did overpopulation and starvation in Russia lead to mass immigrations? 4. Why did Marxism develop differently in the rural areas of Russia as to the cities? 5. Discuss the evolution of Stalinist communism from Marxism. 6.How did social reform in Russia change after Stalinâ s death? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson suggested film: Reds history1900s.about.com/cs/communism1 Lesson 16 â The End of Monarchy in Russia Handouts

32 Maps of 20th Century Russia Photos and Art of Russian Revolution Content A. The last Tsar of Russia was Nicholas II, of the Romanovs, who was executed with his entire family during the Russian Revolution of B. At this point in time, the Qing Dynasty of China and Japan were both vying For control of lands formerly controlled by Russia. C. These Asian incursions led to the Russo-Japanese War of 1904 in which Russia suffered a humiliating defeat and further weakened the monarchy. D. In 1905, strikers loyal to the monarchy were slaughtered by the hundreds during a peaceful march. This began a series of irreversible events. E. Mutinies in the Russian military began to take place on a regular basis; The Potemkin episode involved an entire battleship revolting. This incident was captured in a silent movie directed by Serge Eisenstein, the great Russian filmmaker. F. The Duma (or Russian political advisors to the Tsar) passed a law for universal education for the masses, but this gesture was seen as too little, too late by the vast majority of Russians.

33 1. Why was the Russian Revolution inevitable? 2. Why do you think China and Japan picked the early part of the 20th Century as the time to encroach on Russian frontiers? 3. Why do you think Russia lost their war with Japan in 1905? 4. Why did the strikers march and subsequent slaughter accelerate the Revolution? 5. Why was the Potemkin Incident significant? 6. Who were the Duma and why were their attempts to stem the Revolution futile? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson suggested film: Dr. Zhivago mars.acnet.wnec.edu/~grempel/courses/wc2/lectures/rev1917.html Lesson 17 â Lenin and the Revolution

34 Handouts Maps of 20th Century Russia Photos and Art of Russian Revolution Content A. Four million Russians were killed or wounded during World War I and received nothing for their efforts. This hastened the Revolution. B. The Bolsheviks proved to be incompetent government administrators and Lenin took full advantage of their weaknesses. C. By the time the Communist party under Lenin took power, Russia appeared to be an unmanageable mess that few people wanted to try and reform. Lenin was one of the few reformers willing to take on this enormous task. D. Lenin was forced to begin what is now historically called â œthe Red Terrorâ, executions without trials, mass purges of suspected opponents, and liberal use of the firing squad. Percentage-wise, Lenin used these methods far less than Stalin was to use them later in Russian history. E. The former allies of Russia in World War I threw their support to the White Forces who opposed the communists; they were not able to change the outcome of the communist victory over the White Forces and the Communist Party did not soon forgive the Western Europeans who had intervened on the part of their opponents. F. By 1921, Lenin had repelled the White Forces and their European allies. He

35 brought a relatively quick end to the civil war and finally consolidated communist power within Russia. G. The Russian Revolution was considered a great tragedy because great and noble intentions were perverted to the will of small-minded dictators. In less than two years, Joseph Stalin would become the first of a line of these dictators. 1. How did World War I hasten the Russian Revolution? 2. Why were the Bolsheviks unsuccessful? 3. Why did Lenin face an almost insurmountable task in ruling Russia? 4. Why was Lenin forced to begin using dictatorial powers? 5. Why was â œthe Red Terrorâ almost inevitable? 6. Why did Russia resent the United States and all the other European powers after World War I and the Russian Civil War? 7. Why was the Russian Revolution considered a great tragedy by Russians? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson suggested film: Trotsky

36 Lesson 18 â The Rise of Stalin Stalin and Secret Police Chief Beria Handouts Maps of Pre-WW2 Russia (USSR) Maps of Post-WW2 Russia (USSR) Photos of Stalinist Russia (USSR) Content A. The NEP (New Economic Policy) initially encouraged peasants to produce more grain so they could sell their excess on the open market. This progressive idea did not survive under Stalin. B. The Russian Eastern Orthodox Church began to decline after the Russian Revolution, but Stalin was far more proactive than Lenin in stripping the Church of any holdings of land and money. C. Under Stalin, the Church was branded enemies of the Communist state. D. Five-Year Plans were institutionalized by Stalin in 1928 to increase productivity

37 through collectivization. The policy was an abject failure and millions died of starvation every year. E. Ownership of individual farms now went to the village or the city the farm was located in. Those with the least to lose favored this arrangement. The landowners, of course, were against it. Unfortunately, the poor village serfs who now â œownedâ the land had no idea how to farm it correctly as the former landowners either sold what they could and left or were killed by Communist party officials. Over 60% of the land now went untended under the new system. Millions continued to starve. F. â œthe Great Terrorâ was an extension of the â œthe Red Terrorâ under Lenin. The extent of these purges and persecutions were miniscule under Lenin. Under Stalin, they were massive. A secret police force headed by Lavrenti Beria was needed to keep track of all of the purges. Millions were purged and persecuted. Most of them were completely innocent, but suspects were considered guilty until proven innocent. Very few got the chance to prove their innocence. G. Millions were sent to Siberia; anyone who was an admitted member of the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church was automatically sent away. H. Most Russians agree that the benefits achieved (socialist medicine, education, a strong military and a strong industrial base) under communism were good things for the country, but the price that was paid in millions of human lives was excessive. This would lead to more liberal leaders such as Brezhnev and Gorbachev leading Russia in the future.

38 1. How was the NEP designed to work and why did it go awry? 2. How did Lenin and Stalin compare in their purges and persecutions? 3. Why did Stalinâ s Five Year Plans fail? 4. How did the failure of the Five Year Plan affect the average Russian? 5. How did collectivization work? 6. How did the â œred Terrorâ and the â œgreat Terrorâ compare? 7. How did members of the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church fare under Stalin? 8. How did Russia change from the end of Stalinâ s rule? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson suggested film: Stalin Lesson 19 â War and Peace

39 Handouts Maps of USSR Photos of USSR Premiers Content A. During World War II, Stalin used the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church as a unifying force for the military, suspending persecution for the duration of the war. B. After World War II, Stalin began to once again distance himself from both the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church and his former Western Allies. This began the Cold War period. C. In 1956, Nikita Khrushchev succeeded Stalin as Premier (First Secretary). Khrushchev was perceived as dangerous at the time, but in retrospect he was not as nearly dangerous as Stalin. D. In 1956, Poland and Hungary made early challenges to the Soviet Union, but were unable to break away from the Soviet block. It would be another thirty years before they and others would be successful. E. Despite constant persecutions, the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church survived all Russian Tsars and dictators. Later Russian leaders after Stalin began to make conciliatory gestures to the Church. F. In 1968, Czechoslovakia attempted and failed to rebel against Russia (USSR). In twenty years they would be successful.

40 G. In 1978, Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev became the Russian Premier and instituted Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) and was considered by many to be one of the greatest Russian leaders of all time. He helped form the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States). H. Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin have continued the legacy of Gorbachev and Russia continues to progress in the 21st Century. 1. Why did Stalin try to reconcile with the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church during World War II? 2. Why did Stalin distance himself from the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church and his Western allies immediately after World War II? 3. How did Khrushchev compare to Stalin? 4. Why were the revolts in Poland, Hungary and Czechoslovakia significant even though they failed at the time? 5. Why did Russian leaders after Stalin come to the conclusion that reconciliation with the Russian Eastern Orthodox Church was a good idea? 6. How did Mikhail Gorbachev differ from all other previous Russian leaders since

41 the fall of the Romanovs? 7. How have Boris Yeltsin and Vladimir Putin continued the efforts of Gorbachev? Additional Internet Resources for this Lesson Suggested film: Enemy at the Gates Lesson 20 â Final Exam and Paper Areas of Concern 1. Discuss Russia before, during and immediately after the Russian Revolution. 2. Discuss the rule of Stalin. 3. Discuss the Cold War and the Breakup of the Soviet Union. 4. Discuss events in Russia that have occurred since the break-up of the Soviet Union Part Two â Judaism Part Two â Russian History, Culture and Judaism

42 By Arthur H Tafero Judaism Lesson 1 - Jewish Identity A. The definition of a Jew is complex, according to Israelâ s Supreme Court one is Jewish if (A) they are related by Mother (b) converted and not of another religion. B. Jews are not a race. C. Jews are monotheistic. D. Jews value knowledge and law. E. Jews have a profound sense of humor. F. Jews have been one of the most persecuted minorities in the history of the world. G. Jews have made major contributions to civilization. 1. How would you define a Jew? 2. Why arenâ t Jews a race? 3. Why is monotheism an important concept? 4. Why are knowledge and law important to Jews? 5. Why do Jews have a profound sense of humor? 6. Why have Jews been persecuted so severely in history? 7. What contributions have Jews made to civilization?

43 Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: Jewish Film Monotheism Jewish Civilization Lesson 2 - Jewish Traditions A. Jews are descendents of Judah, a son of Jacob. B. Hebrews are descendents of Abraham, who crossed the River Jordan. C. An Israelite is any descendent of Jacob whose name was changed to Israel. D. An Israeli is anyone who lives in Israel. E. Jews feel the theory of evolution is not in conflict with the Bible. F. Men and women are equal in Jewish culture; although there is a lingering sense of patriarchy in Jewish culture. G. The covenant of law and God are extremely important to Jews. 1. Why is Judah important? 2. Why is Abraham important? 3. Why is Jacob important? 4. How is an Israeli defined?

44 5. How do Jews feel about the theory of evolution? 6. How do men and women interact in Jewish culture? 7. Why is the covenant of law and God important to Jews? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: suggested film: The Ten Commandments Judah Abraham -_Timeline_From_Abraham_to_the_Founding_of_the_State_of_Israel.asp Lesson 3 - Abraham and Moses A. Abraham was primarily responsible for Jewish monotheistic practices. B. Isaac was the moral successor to Abraham. C. Jacob was the moral successor to Issac.4. Conflict between Judah and Israel led to the eventual downfall of the early Jewish culture. D. Moses is considered the greatest Jew of all time. E. The Ten Commandments represent the essence of Jewish Law (there are over 600 codifications)

45 1. What was Abrahamâ s greatest contribution to Judaism? 2. Why is Isaac important? 3. How did Jacob differ from his predecessors? 4. Why was the split of the original Jewish culture into two distinct camps catastrophic? 5. Why is Moses considered the greatest Jew of all time? 6. Why are the Ten Commandments so important to Jews? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: Isaac Moses Lesson 4 - Judges and Kings A. Jewish bondage in Egypt created an empathy for oppressed peoples within the Jewish culture. B. Jewish leadership in the Old Testament was primarily based on merit, not birth. C. Most of the judges except for Solomon and Deborah were fairly ineffective. D. Gideon reinforced the need for faith in God. E. Sameul errs by appointing Saul as king, who is ineffective.

46 F. Saul is followed by David, who is far more effective. 1. Why are Jews sympathetic to oppressed peoples? 2. How was Jewish leadership chosen in the Old Testament? 3. Why were most of the judges considered ineffective? 4. Why was Gideon important? 5. How did Samuel err? 6. Why was David far more effective than Saul? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: Samuel David t_17_-_david_the_shepherd3_the_warrior.asp A. The Ark, which contains the tablets of law, is the holiest item in a temple. B. Ten tribes left Judah and became Israel. C. Elijah tried to warn Jews not to be divisive. D. Isaiah lectures Judah that they must serve God. E. Jeremiah tries to save the temple, but was unsuccessful. F. Jews consider their early culture downfall a message from God. 1. Why is the Ark so important? 2. Why did the ten tribes leave Judah? 3. Why was Elijah important? 4. Why was Isaiah important?

47 5. Why was Jeremiah important? 6. How do Jews interpret the early downfall of their culture? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: Elijah t_20_-_a_divided_nation.asp Isaiah t_40_-_seeds_of_christianity.asp Lesson 6 - Evolution of Jewish Beliefs Image A. Synagogues replaced most of the temples. B. The term â œwriting on the wallâ comes from Jewish culture. C. Cyrus of Persia was sympathetic to the plight of the Jews. D. The Torah includes all spiritual and religious teachings; it also means the first five books of the Old Testament. E. Jews were in conflict with Hellenistic Greeks. F. The celebration of Hanukkah precedes the story of Christmas by over a century. 1. Why did synagogues replace temples? 2. What does the term â œwriting on the wallâ mean? 3. Why was Cyrus important in Jewish culture?

48 4. Why is the Torah significant to Jews? 5. Why were the Jews in conflict with the Hellenistic Greeks? 6. Why is the story of Hanukkah significant? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: Cyrus Torah tm Lesson 7- Rome and Jesus A. The oppression of Rome created a desire for a messiah. B. The Essenes, pacifists were at odds with the Zealots, a militant faction of Jewish culture. C. Jesus was associated with the Essenes. D. Jesus was rejected by the Jews as messiah because he did not physically free the Jews from the Romans. E. The Romans, not the Jews, killed Christ. F. Masada proved the extent of discontent that Jewish culture had with Rome. 1. Why did the Jews need a messiah? 2. Who were the Essenes and the Zealots? 3. Why was Jesus associated with the Essenes?

49 4. Why was Jesus rejected by the Jews as messiah? 5. Who was responsible for Christâ s death? 6. Why was Masada important? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: Essenes Zealots Lesson 8 - Jews, Arabs and Christians A. Arabs, until the 20th century, had been more tolerant of Jews than any other culture in world history. B. Jews are considered â œpeople of the bookâ by Arabs. C. Arab and Jewish scholars were prominent in preserving knowledge during the â œdark agesâ of Europe. D. Christians persecuted Jews and blamed them for the death of Christ. E. The crusades included a purging of Jews from Jerusalem. F. Spain also practiced Jewish persecution. 1. Why have Arabs, until the 20th century, been so tolerant of Jews?

50 2. Why are â œpeople of the bookâ important to Arabs. 3. Why were Arab and Jewish scholars important in maintaining early cultural knowledge? 4. Why did the Christians persecute the Jews? 5. What was one of the lesser motivations of the crusades? 6. Why did Spain persecute the Jews? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: â œpeople of the Bookâ Jewish Persecutions Lesson 9 - Mid-Term Exam and Papers due Areas of Concern 1. How did early Judaism develop? 2. How effective were Jewish judges and kings? 3. Discuss the relationship between Jews, Arabs and Christians from Jesus through Columbus. Lesson 10 - Eastern Europe and France

51 A. The Middle Ages had the Jews constantly persecuted. B. Poland welcomed the Jews. C. Kabbalah teachings emerged during the Middle Ages. D. Hasidism emerges in Eastern Europe. E. The French Revolution is beneficial to the Jews. F. Jews prosper under Napolean. 1. How were the Jews constantly persecuted in the Middle Ages? 2. Why did Poland welcome the Jews? 3. What is the Kabbalah? 4. What is the Hasidim? 5. How did the Jews prosper under the French Revolution? 6. How did the Jews prosper under Napolean? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: Kabbalah Hasidism t_52_-_the_hassidic_movement.asp Lesson 11 - England and the United States

52 A. The Age of Enlightenment was beneficial to the Jews. B. Haskala, The Jewish Age of Reason, promoted scholarship and culture while relegating the role of religion and God. C. Jews were expelled from England in 1290 until after D. The Rothschilds helped Jews regain some power in England. E. Persecuted Jews from Brazil fled to New York. F. Jews found the United States to be far less restrictive than Europe and England. 1. Why was the Age of Enlightenment beneficial to the Jews? 2. What is Haskalah? 3. Why were the Jews expelled from England in 1290? 4. How did the Rothschilds help Jews in England? 5. Why did Jews first come to New York? 6. How did the Jews find the United States level of tolerance in relation to England and Europe? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: suggested film: Disraeli Haskalah Rothschilds Lesson 12 â Persecutions

53 A. The Jews were persecuted in Russia. B. Various persecutions led to much Jewish emigration. C. Adolf Hitler was the greatest persecutor in the considerable history of the Jews. D. Neville Chamberlin is reviled by the Jewish community. E. The Silence of God during the Holocaust is a sensitive issue for post- Holocaust Jews. F. â œnever Againâ refers to the Holocaust and is considered a sacred obligation. 1. Why were the Jews persecuted in Russia? 2. Why were the Jews constantly emigrating to new countries? 3. Why was Adolf Hitler considered the greatest persecutor of the Jews? 4. Why is Neville Chamberlin reviled in the Jewish community? 5. What is â œthe Silence of Godâ? 6. What does â œnever Againâ mean? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: suggested film: Schindlerâ s List Adolf Hitler The Silence of God

54 Lesson 13 - Modern Israel A. David Ben-Gurion became the first prime minister of modern Israel in B. Conflict with neighboring Arabs was immediate. C. Israeli-Arab conflicts have been constant over the Palestinian issue since D. Jews are split among themselves between Zionists and Pacifists (similar to the earlier Essenes and Zealots). E. Expansion to the West Bank has further exaserbated Arab relations with Israel. F. There appears to be no end in sight for Jewish-Arab hostilities. 1. Why is David Ben-Gurion important? 2. Why was there immediate conflict with neighboring Arabs in 1947? 3. Why have these conflicts been constant since 1947? 4. How are Jews split among themselves in Arab-Israel relations? 5. How has Israelâ s expansion to the West Bank affected Arab-Israel relations? 6. Why is there no end in sight to Arab-Israeli conflict? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: suggested film: Exodus David Ben-Gurion West Bank

55 Lesson 14 - Prominent Jews Image A. There are many Jews among famous Hollywood producers, directors and actors. B. Television comedians such as the very successful Jerry Seinfeld have left their mark on American entertainment. C. American theatre has been profoundly affected by the Jewish population. D. Prominent Jewish musicians are too numerous to list. E. Jewish athletes such as Sandy Koufax have contributed to American sports legends. F. Albert Einstein was the most prolific Jewish scientist of the 20th century. 1. Why is Hollywood famous for Jewish culture? 2. How are Jews prominent in television? 3. How are Jews prominent in American theatre? 4. How are Jews prominent in American music? 5. How are Jews prominent in American sports? 6. How are Jews prominent in American science? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: suggested film: Cast a Giant Shadow Prominent Jewry

56 Jews in Hollywood History Lesson 15 - Medicine and Judaism A. Jonas Salk was a prominent American Jew in medicine. B. Jews have won numerous Nobel Prizes. C. Jews are prominent in the field of psychology. D. Jews have historically been considered some of the worldâ s finest writers. E. Jews have made numerous contributions to both Western and Eastern philosophy. F. Chagall and many other Jewish artists and poets have made numerous contributions to the worldâ s collection of art and poetry. 1. Why was Jonas Salk important? 2. Why do Jews winning Nobel Prizes have significance? 3. How were Jews prominent in psychology? 4. Why were Jews considered fine writers? 5. How have Jews made contributions to Western and Eastern philosophy? 6. How have Jews made contributions to art and poetry? Additional Internet Research Links For This Lesson: suggested film: Freud Jonas Salk