Until the 1960's, the writing of Russian history in America was greatly concerned with intellectual history. However, once more sources became available in the mid-1950's, other approaches and techniques were applied. Similar trends were perceptible among Soviet historians. Although Western and Soviet historical inquiry has been hampered by the…

This student booklet and teacher's guide examine the causes and the aftermath of the disintegration of the Soviet Union. The first two sections of the student booklet briefly summarize the Cold War and describe the unfulfilled promises of Mikhail Gorachev's "perestroika," the rising discontent among the people, and the birth of…