VII. The Contemporary Period, 1945–2000 > B. Europe, 1945–2000 > 7. Eastern Europe, 1945–2000 > i. Russia (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Successor States)
  PREVIOUS NEXT  
CONTENTS · SUBJECT INDEX · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
  The Encyclopedia of World History.  2001.
 
(See June 29)
 
i. Russia (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics and Successor States)
 
THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION, 2000 (MAP)
 
1. Soviet Union
1944, Feb. 1
 
An amendment to the constitution of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics granted separate commissariats for defense and for foreign affairs to each of the constituent republics. Each could thus maintain its own army (which would form, however, a component element in the army of the USSR) and conduct its own negotiations with foreign countries, and conclude treaties with them.  1
 
1946, Feb. 10
 
The first general elections since 1937 for the Supreme Soviet returned the official list of approved candidates.  2
 
March 15
 
The fourth five-year plan, designed to increase industrial output by more than 50 percent over prewar levels, was adopted by the Supreme Soviet. Much of the necessary industrial equipment was collected from Soviet-occupied regions in Eastern and Central Europe.  3
 
March 19
 
In a series of governmental changes, President Michael Kalinin resigned because of ill health and was succeeded by the former trade union leader Nikolai Shvernik. A Council of Ministers (with Joseph Stalin as chairman and Foreign Minister V. M. Molotov as deputy chairman) replaced the former Council of People's Commissars.  4
 
June 28
 
The Ministry of State Control announced widespread dismissals in industry for incompetence and dishonesty. This was followed in August by a similar purge of agricultural offenders.  5
 
Nov. 18
 
Marshal Koniev replaced Marshal G. K. Zhukov as commander-in-chief of the Soviet armed forces.  6
 
 
 
The Encyclopedia of World History, Sixth edition. Peter N. Stearns, general editor. Copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Maps by Mary Reilly, copyright © 2001 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.

CONTENTS · SUBJECT INDEX · BIBLIOGRAPHIC RECORD
  PREVIOUS NEXT