Empire of Russia vs. USSR

Attribute	Empire of Russia	USSR
Official Name	Empire of Russia	Union of Soviet Socialist Republics
Period of Existence	1721-1917	1922-1991
Form of Government	Autocracy	Communist state
Capital	St. Petersburg (1721-1917)	Moscow
Leader	Emperor/Tsar	General Secretary of the Communist Party
Political Ideology	Monarchy	Communism

History

The Empire of Russia, also known as the Russian Empire, was a state that existed from 1721 to 1917. It was the successor to the Tsardom of Russia and the predecessor of the Soviet Union. The empire was ruled by a series of emperors, starting with Peter the Great and ending with Nicholas II. The Russian Empire was known for its vast territorial expansion, including the annexation of Crimea and the conquest of Siberia.

The USSR, or the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics, was a socialist state that existed from 1922 to 1991. It was formed after the Russian Revolution of 1917, which overthrew the Russian Empire. The USSR was made up of multiple republics, with Russia being the largest and most influential. The Soviet Union was led by a series of communist leaders, including Vladimir Lenin, Joseph Stalin, and Mikhail Gorbachev.

Government

The Empire of Russia was an absolute monarchy, with the emperor holding all political power. The emperor was considered to be chosen by God and ruled with absolute authority. The Russian Empire had a complex system of government, with various ministries and councils overseeing different aspects of governance. The empire also had a parliament, known as the State Duma, although its powers were limited.

The USSR, on the other hand, was a socialist state governed by the Communist Party. The Communist Party held all political power, with the General Secretary being the de facto leader of the country. The Soviet Union had a centralized government, with the Communist Party controlling all aspects of governance. The USSR also had a system of soviets, or councils, at the local, regional, and national levels.

Economy

The economy of the Empire of Russia was primarily agrarian, with the majority of the population engaged in farming. The empire also had a growing industrial sector, with factories and mines being established in major cities. The Russian Empire was known for its natural resources, including oil, gas, and minerals. However, the economy was largely underdeveloped compared to Western Europe.

The economy of the USSR was based on central planning and state ownership of the means of production. The Soviet Union had a command economy, with the government setting production targets and prices for goods and services. The USSR focused on heavy industry, such as steel and machinery, at the expense of consumer goods. The Soviet economy was characterized by inefficiency and shortages, leading to long lines and rationing.

Social Structure

The Empire of Russia had a rigid social structure, with the nobility at the top and the peasantry at the bottom. The nobility held most of the land and wealth in the empire, while the peasantry worked the land as serfs. The Russian Empire also had a growing middle class, made up of merchants, professionals, and bureaucrats. However, social mobility was limited, and class divisions were deeply entrenched.

The USSR aimed to create a classless society based on equality and solidarity. The Soviet Union abolished the nobility and redistributed land and wealth to the workers and peasants. The USSR also promoted education and employment for all citizens, regardless of social background. However, the Soviet Union still had a hierarchy of power, with the Communist Party elite at the top and the working class at the bottom.

Foreign Relations

The Empire of Russia was known for its expansionist foreign policy, with the empire annexing territories in Europe, Asia, and North America. The Russian Empire fought numerous wars to expand its borders and influence, including the Napoleonic Wars and the Crimean War. The empire also established diplomatic relations with other European powers, such as France and Britain.

The USSR was a superpower with a global reach, engaging in ideological and military conflicts with the United States and its allies. The Soviet Union supported communist movements and governments around the world, leading to tensions with capitalist countries. The USSR also signed treaties and alliances with other socialist states, such as China and Cuba, to counter Western influence.