Chapter 2A The Russian Realm

Question 1

What were the causes of the dissolution of Soviet Union (USSR) in 1991?

Answer 1

Economy failed. Cold War race drained resources. Different ethnicities wanted independence (??? Not sure about that last one)

Question 2

Where is most of the population of Russia located?

Answer 2

West of the Ural Mountains

Question 3

How does the concept of “continentality” apply to the Russian Realm?

Answer 3

Inland climatic environment remote from moderating and from moderating and moistening maritime influence

Question 4

The majority of Russia is dominated by what Koppen Climate scheme?

Answer 4

D-Continental

Question 5

Define and describe the following terms as they apply to the Russian Realm. Taiga, Tundra, and Permafrost.

Answer 5

Taiga-“snow-forest” of coniferous
Tundra-treeless plain, bare ground
permafrost-ground is permanently frozen

Question 6

What mountain chain is considered the traditional dividing line between Europe and Asia?

Answer 6

Ural Mountains

Question 7

Discuss Peter the Great’s accomplishment

Answer 7

Took all of the gains and consolidated them to turn into a modern, European-style state.

Question 8

Describe the agriculture/land-use of northern Siberia.

Answer 8

Rich in natural resources. Precious minerals, metallic ores, oil and natural gas. The land is Taiga and Tundra. They have Reindeer for milk, meat, transportation and hides. No agriculture because the ground is permafrost.

Question 9

Where did Russia establish its’ imperialist colonies?

Answer 9

Central Asia

Question 10

Discuss the US purchase of Alaska.

Answer 10

Seaward’s Folly-US bought Alaska from Russia for .02 per acre.

Question 11

What is ‘sovkhoz’?

Answer 11

grain and meat factories

Question 12

Which Russian city was known as the Soviet Detroit? Know for textiles?

Answer 12

Nizhniy Novgorod- aircraft, boats, automobiles, TVs

Ivanovo- textiles, wool, cotton

Question 13

Locate on map/discuss who is/was fighting whom/cause of conflict.

Answer 13

Chechnya- refused to sign Russian Federation Treaty-long history of resistance in Chechnya to Russian “terrorism”
Nagorno-Karaback-Aremenia and Izerbyjan
Abkhazia-Break away Republics from Georgia
Ossetia-away Republic from Georgia

Question 14

What were the perceived advantages of collectivized agriculture in Russia?

Answer 14

they thought they would have an abundance of productivity but it didn’t work out.

Question 15

In relation to Ukraine’s capital Kiev, where is Chernobyl located?

Answer 15

Chernobyl is located directly to the north, near the border of Belarus

Question 16

Which of the non-Slavic ethnic groups is a particular security concern in Russia today?

Answer 16

Chenchnyan

Question 17

How does Caspian Sea oil reach markets abroad? What factors go into decision making about those exports? Why are these factors important to Russia?

Answer 17

All the oil lines went through Russia. Then Russia was cut out of the loop with new pipe lines. Moscow wants to keep control.

Question 18

Why are Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan included in the Russian Realm? How have these countries fared since independence?

Answer 18

Georgia-Orthodox Christian
Armenia- own kind of Christian religion-believe they are the decedents of Noah because it is believed this is where the Ark is located.
Azerbaijan-Muslim
Russia wants control of the oil pipeline that runs throught Azerbaijan to Georgia and on to Turkey.

Question 19

What is the worlds deepest lake?

Answer 19

Lake Baykal