Send us a textSergei Witte was the first Prime Minister of Russia that wasn't the Tsar. Try as he could, he was unable to convince Nicholas II to reform the country and create a constitutional monarchy.Support the show

Send us a textToday, we wrap up the tragic story of the Great Purge which costs millions of lives and adversely affected Russians to this day.Support the show

Send us a textToday, we cover those unfortunate individuals who were caught up in the Purge despite having nothing to do with the charges put up against them.Support the show

Send us a textToday, we begin a three-part series on the Great Purge of 1937-1939, where over one million people lost their lives. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today's episode with Professor Laruelle will cover a number of topics including an overview of Russian history and the ebb and flow of Russian reforms and autocracy and how it relates to the rest of the world. You can find out more about her books at http://marlene-laruelle.com/Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today, we cover the story of the Battle of Borodino, the battle that would turn the tide against the French and Napoleon. It was one of the most important conflicts in world history.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today, we cover the miserable conditions that Russian serfs lived in. In particular, we will share quotes from the memoirs of one of the serfs, Savva Dmitrievich Purlevsky, who live in Russia between 1800 and 1868.History Nerds UnitedLet's make history fun again! Come listen to interviews with today's best authors.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today, we wrap up the series of this remarkable woman. From meeting Voltaire, Benjamin Franklin, and Denis Diderot, Dashkova would become the first woman to lead a major science academy. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today, we continue the story of this remarkable person. Dashkova, as she writes in her memoirs, believed herself to be in the middle of the coup to remove Peter III and replace him with the future Catherine the Great.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today, we begin the series into one of the most fascinating women in world and Russian history, Princess Ekaterina Romanovna Vorontsova Dashkova. She would become friends with Catherine The Great, Voltaire, and even Benjamin Franklin.Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Who was Vladimir Ulyanov Lenin? How did he become the man who would help overthrow the Romanovs and begin the Bolshevik control of Russia and its neighboring countries?Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today, we wrap up the Great Game of tensions between the British and Russian Empires in Central Asia. Support the Show.

Send us a Text Message.Today, we talk about the quagmire that the British stepped into when they invaded Afghanistan to begin the First Anglo-Afghan War and the role it played in the Great Game.Support the Show.

Today, we begin a new series on the Great Game (also known as Bolshaya Igra), a jockeying of position between the two great empires of the 19th century, Russia and Great BritainSupport the show

Today's special episode is an interview with Professor Simon Miles, Author of Engaging the Evil Empire: Washington, Moscow, and the Beginning of the End of the Cold War. To purchase his book, and learn more about this fascinating topic, go to https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501776069/engaging-the-evil-empire/#bookTabs=1Support the show

Today, we discuss the history of one of Russia's most famous architectural achievements, The Kremlin.Support the show

Today, we finish our three-part series on the traumatic events of the end of the Tsarist regime with the people's perspective of the Russian Revolution.Support the show

Alexei Navalny's recent passing has placed focus on the corruption of the Russian government and its persecution of its enemies. Today, we recount the all too brief life and death of Alexei Navalny.Support the show

Today, we talk with Professor Maya Vinokour, author of the new book, Work Flows: Stalinist Liquids in Russian Labor Culture. You can find the book here - https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501773679/work-flows/#bookTabs=1Support the show

Today, we continue our three-part series on the people's perspective of three monumental events in Russian history, this time about the Crimean War.Support the show

Today, we look at the Russian Civil War from a people's perspective. We avoid talking about the battles and the political events, concentrating more on how the people survived, and sometimes didn't. Support the show

Today, we share an Interview with Rolf Hellebust, author of How Russian Literature Became Great, available from Cornell University Press. https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501773419/how-russian-literature-became-great/#bookTabs=1Support the show

Today, we will cover the 9 year war between the Soviet Union and Afghani rebels. The losses suffered by the Soviets would be a spark that would cause the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Support the show

Today, we have an interview with Valeria Sobol professor of Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, author of the book, Haunted Empire: Gothic and the Russian Imperial Uncanny. You can find her book here -  https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501770104/haunted-empire/#bookTabs=1Support the show

Today, we finish our series about the foods and drinks from Russia. Support the show

Today, we start a two-part series about the incredible cuisines of Russia and the Soviet Union. Support the show

Today, we wrap up our series as we cover the continuing relationship between Russia and the Soviet Union with the great Volga River. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we continue our journey through the history of the Volga River and its historical relationship with Russia. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

This is an interview I did with Professor Paul Robinson, author of the important work, Russian Liberalism. You can purchase a copy of his book through this website -  https://www.cornellpress.cornell.edu/book/9781501772177/russian-liberalism/Support the show

Today, we begin a three-part series on the history of the Volga River, the longest in Europe, and its relationship to Russia. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we cover the impact of sports in the Soviet Union. Also, I am adding a tribute to one of the inspirations for this podcast, my daughter, Anastasya Schauss, who passed away on September 23, at the age of 27.Support the show

Today, we end our two-part series on the numerous conflicts that Russia has participated after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.Support the show

Today, we begin a two-part series to discuss the conflicts that have plagued Russia and its neighbors after the breakup of the Soviet Union in 1991. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we finish our two-part series on the major turning points in both Russian and Soviet history. f you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we begin a two-part series relating to the turning points in Russian history.Support the show

Today, we discuss the long relationship between Russia, the Soviet Union, and China throughout the past four hundred years. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportHistory Nerds UnitedLet's make history fun again! Come listen to interviews with today's best authors.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

Today, we finish up our five-part series on the Soviet Gulag system. The punishments and rewards as well as the dismantling of the camps are discussed.Support the show

Today, we discuss the work done in the Gulags. Brutal and sometimes absurd, work was the reason for the people to populate the prisoner camps. Support the show

Today, we continue our series about the Soviet Gulag with first-hand accounts of life within the camps. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we talk about some of the experiences of women related to the gulag experience. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we begin a five-part series on one of the most tragic institutions in Soviet history, the Gulag. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportThe Gates Of CiminoThe dive bar of cinema podcasts! Unscripted. All things movies. Each show is...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

Today, we discuss the history House of Fabergé, and the incredible jewelry they produced, especially the royal eggs. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we take a tour of the famed St. Petersburg museum, the Hermitage. We will also recount the history of the museum from its founding in 1703 until today. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportHistory Nerds UnitedLet's make history fun again! Come listen to interviews with today's best authors.Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

Today, we cover the three Moscow Show Trials which were meant to eliminate the Old Bolsheviks who Stalin believed could threaten his control of the Soviet Union. Two Designers Walk Into a BarJoin hosts Todd and Elliot for origin stories about iconic and beloved pop culture objectsListen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

Today, we end our five-part series with Kutuzov defeating Napoleon Bonaparte. Unfortunately, he would die only a few month after expelling the French General from  Russia. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportSupport the show

Today, we cover the beginnings of the war against Napoleon Bonaparte. The failures of the generals leading the war effort would eventually lead to the appointment of Mikhail Kutuzov as head of the Russian army. If you'd like to support the podcast with a small monthly donation, click this link - https://www.buzzsprout.com/385372/supportHistory AnalyzedHistory Analyzed is a podcast which investigates both history's biggest moments and...Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

Today, we cover the period right before the Russian army goes into full attack mode against Napoleon's Grand Armee. Kutuzov has been busy with a number of different assignments and the death of two Tsars. Support the show

Today, we continue following the incredible career of General Mikhail Kutuzov. We also recount two episodes where his life hanged by a thread.The Jersey Arts PodcastDive deeper into the arts you love and don't miss another moment!Listen on: Apple Podcasts   SpotifySupport the show

Today, we begin a five-part series on one of Russia's greatest military geniuses, Mikhail Kutuzov. This period of Russian history would lay the groundwork for the revolutions of the early 20th century.

Join me as we learn about the construction and history of the Trans-Siberian Railway as well as taking a trip along its 9,289 kilometers or 5,772 miles.

Today, we wrap up the topic of the operations of the Soviet spy agency, the KGB, in Europe and the United States.

Today, we start a two-part series on the spy operations of the Soviet KGB in Europe and the US.

Today, we cover the long, and difficult relationship between Poland and Russia.

Today, we cover the 13 known lovers of Catherine the Great.

Today, we cover the early advisors to Tsar Ivan the Terrible, especially Prince Andrey Kurbsky.

Today, we cover the fighting force known as the Streltsy. They were first formed by Ivan the Terrible in 1550. They would serve as Russia's first standing army and the body guards of the Tsar. Join us as we go over their turbulent, yet short place in Russian history.

Today, we wrap up the two-part series on the Iron Curtain with some surprising outcomes after the barriers were removed. 

Today, we will discuss the imposition of the Iron Curtain on the Eastern European countries by the Soviet Union. 

Today, we cover the transition of the Soviet Union back into Russia and the other countries which formed the USSR. In it, we will explain why Russia seemingly is frustrated and angry with the Western nations.

Today, we end the series of the transition of life in Russia to that of one in the Soviet Union.

Today, we continue our story of what transpired when Russia became part of the Soviet Union.

In the years leading up to the formation of the USSR, Russia went through a period of transition. In this three-part series, we will talk about what that looked like, primarily for the common Russian citizen. 

Today's episode is part of a feed swap with Lindsay Graham's podcast History Daily. On February 10, 1962., at the height of the Cold War, the United States and the Soviet Union conduct a spy exchange. Learn more about this event. 

Today, we finish up our three-part series based on the March 30, 1943 issue of LIFE magazine and how they viewed the USSR and Joseph Stalin.

Today, we continue talking about the March 29, 1943 issue of LIFE magazine and how the US looked at Joseph Stalin and the USSR.

In 1943, LIFE magazine published an entire issue on Joseph Stalin and the USSR, as they were allies in our war effort against Nazi Germany and hopefully, Japan. Today, we begin a three-part series on that March issue of LIFE.

Today, we cover the celebration of Christmas and New Year's in Russia both today, and in the past.

Today, we cover the life and extraordinary career of one of the world's and Russia's greatest playwrights, Anton Chekhov.

Today, we being in 1906, the year after the first Russian Revolution, covering the children of Tsar Nicholas II and Alexandra. We end, tragically, with the murder of the entire royal family in 1918.

Today, we start a new two-part series covering the children of the last Tsar of Russia, Nicholas II. We cover their births and the controversy surrounding the girls, and finally a boy, Alexei and the discovery of his genetic disease, hemophilia.

Today, we finish up our two-part series, ending with the final Russo-Turkish War, also known as World War I. It would mark the end of the two empires, which had fought each other for centuries.

Today, we begin a two-part series covering the 12 Russo-Turkish Wars that began in 1568 and ended in 1918. 

Today, we finish our three-part series on famous Russian and Soviet writers, with Maxim Gorky.

Today, we discuss the life and times of the great Soviet writer and dissident, Alexander Solzhenitsyn. The author of The Gulag Archipelago, went from being a loyal Soviet citizen to one of its harshest critics. 

Today, we begin our three-part series on some of the giants of Russian literature, Ivan Bunin, Alexander Solzhenitsyn, and Maxim Gorky. Listen to the tale of Russia's first winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature. 

today we end our series on the development of literature in Russia. 

Today, we trace the beginnings of Russian literature all the way to the great authors Dostoyevsky, Chekov and Tolstoy. 

Today, we will be talking about the epidemics and plagues that affected Russia throughout the centuries. Within this episode, we will draw a parallel between the COVID-19 outbreak and the Russian flu of 1889-1890. Were they the same? Listen and find out.

Today, we discuss the life of one of Russia's greatest poets, Anna Akhmatova. Join us as we tell her life's story as well as sharing some of her incredible writings.

Today, we recount the sad story of what happened to the Russian elite after the Russian Revolution and the Civil War. 

Today, we discuss what happened to the Russian Elite after the Russian Revolution. In particular, we will tell you about what happened to those who left the country. Next episode, we will talk about those sad souls who stayed. 

Today, I discuss the life and times of Catherine the Great with William Clark, host of the Grey History podcast. 

Today, we wrap up our series of the year 1917. The Provisional Government goes out with a whimper, and the Bolsheviks walk in, and take control. 

We begin in May and end with the arrest of General Lavr Kornilov and the freeing of the Bolsheviks from jail in August of the tumultuous year of 1917.

Nicholas II has abdicated, yet there is no clear cut leader of Russia. Find out how things begin to shake out in this new Russia landscape.

Today, we concentrate on the abdication of Tsar Nicholas II and the days leading up to this momentous event.

Today, we start a five-part series on the most tumultuous year in Russian history, 1917.

Today, we cover the cities of Chirnihiv, Rostov, Halych, Kolmna, Turov, Peryslav, Polotsk, Uglich, and Moscow. 

Today, we begin a two-part series on the cities of old Kyvian Rus. It begins in Kyiv, moving on to Novgorod, Pskov, Smolensk, Ryazan, Vladimir, Sundial, and Tver.

Today, we wrap up the series with one of the most emotionally charged episodes in this podcasts history. Survivors and those who didn't make it, wrote in their diaries, some of which I share in this episode.

The Germans have now sealed the city of Leningrad, and the starvation and deaths have begun to take their toll on the people of the city. 

Today, we cover the progress of the invasion and focus on the people within Leningrad and their growing sense of foreboding.

The Siege of Leningrad was one of the greatest tragedies of World War II. It has an eerie similarity to what is going on in Ukraine today. This makes this series, very timely.

Today's podcast will give you a background on the leaders of the combatants in the Crimean War.

Today, we finish up the two-part series starting with the victorious Battle of Poltava and ending with the disastrous Battle of Tsushima, one that would begin the destruction of the Romanov dynasty .

Today, we start a two part series on the battles that molded Russia and its history. We begin today with the Battle of the Kalka River in 1223 and end with Battle of Moscow in 1612.

Today, I interview Lucy Ward, the author of the soon to be released book The Empress and the English Doctor: How Catherine the Great Defied a Deadly Virus. 

The Blacksmith and the Devil is an old Russian fairy tale.

The Pugachev Rebellion reached incredible heights of violence only to be crushed, with Pugachev betrayed by his own men.

Today, we complete the series on the anarchist movement in Russia. We talk about the influence of Leo Tolstoy, Emma Goldman, Aleksei Borzoi, and Lev Chernyi on the newest anarchists of today like Azat Miftakhov, Anastasia Baburova, and the anarchist punk rock group Pussy Riot.

Today, we start a two-part series on the Anarchist movement in Russia and the Soviet Union. 

Today, I interview the author of the book Before Evil- Young Lenin, Hitler, Stalin, Mussolini, Mao, and Kim, Brandon Gauthier. Professor Gauthier and I have a spirited discussion about what made Lenin and Stalin the monsters they were to become

Our podcast is doing a cross-promotion with Lindsay Graham's, History Daily. This episode is on Laika, the first animal to travel into space. Enjoy this episode and try History Daily!

Nikolai Vavilov was one of the great geneticists of the 20th century whose goal was to end famine and starvation. Ironically, he would die in one of Stalin's prisons of hunger. Join me in this tribute to the man who would try to save the world.

Today, I'm sharing a book review I did for my Patreon podcast. It is on three books of Russian fiction. I hope you enjoy it!

The invasion of Ukraine by Russian forces has created an international crisis. Today's episode try to bring meaning to what is going on. 

A quick announcement about the future of the podcast and comments about the goings on in Ukraine and Russia.

Today, in episode 213, I discuss the notion that Tsar Peter III was a high-functioning autistic. Listener Ian G proposed the idea which I feel has some very strong merit.

Today, we finish the three part series about the men who helped Joseph Stalin terrorize the Soviet Union.

Today, we continue the series on those men who enabled Stalin to keep his country terrorized.

Stalin's reign of terror couldn't have happened without the support of a number of ruthless enablers. Today, we begin a three part series on these men and how they survived.

Today we cover the time between Vladimir's time as prince of Novgorod to his death, presenting newly found information.

Today's episode adds to the story of one of ancient Russia's most important leaders, Vladimir the Great.

Today, I will be returning to the beginning of the podcast with a rerun of episode 1, but with lots more new history to share about Russian before there were Russians.

Today, we finish up the history of Ukraine and its relationship with Russia.

Today, we begin a new series with an overview of the history of Ukraine and its relationship to Russia.

In our final look at Siberia, we focus on the lives of both women and children in the gulag system developed by the Soviets.

Today, we recount the harsh life living in Siberian prisons and gulags. 

Siberia is a mythical, magical, and intimidating place. Discover the mystery of this part of Russia.

In our review of the Russian rulers of old, we turn our eyes to Ivan IV, the first and most controversial of all of the Russian Tsar's. 

After 200 numbered episodes, I decided to share my feelings about the journey, and that, I have decided to return to producing regular episodes again.

In 1991, the Soviet Union collapsed in spectacular fashion. What were the causes that led to such a rapid dissolution? Find out what I feel are the main reasons.

In 1991, the Gang of Eight tried to overthrow the Soviet government and oust Mikhail Gorbachev. Find out why they failed miserably and accelerated the end of the USSR.

Following the last episode on things you didn't know about the Soviet Union, I am following it up about present day and old Russia.

Many things were hidden form the West during the times of the USSR. Today's episode hopes to uncover secrets from that time.

Boris Pasternak, the author of the epic novel Doctor Zhivago is the focus of today's episode.

The Time of Troubles was a period of Russian history that could have ended the Muscovite's control of the land of the Rus.

Today's episode follows the lives of the first three Romanov Tsar's as well as the father of the first, Patriarch Philaret.

Today's episode covers the regent of Ivan 5 and Peter I, Sophia Alexseyevna. 

Yes, I'm back to retell Russian history. Today's episode is on the last Generalissimo of Russia, the undefeated, Alexander Suvorov.

Peter the Great is reassessed through the eyes of a number of historians and contemporaries.

The five Russian rulers between the titans, Peter and Catherine the Great are reassessed.

In today's podcast we look back at the reigns of husband and wife, Peter III and Catherine II.

1922 marks the end of the most brutal civil war in human history, the Russian Civil War. Tens of millions of people perished with the Bolsheviks taking complete control.

The Russian Civil War is in full swing and things are not looking good for the Bolsheviks. Find out how they handled the heat.

The beginning of the Russian Civil War started the day the Provisional Government was overthrown. Millions would die over the coming five years.

The prelude to the Russian Civil War is today's topic.

In today's podcast, we talk about the leaders of the Red's, the Black's and the Poles.

We will begin the discussion about the Russian Civil War with the commanders of the White Army's. 

Today, we review the reign of Tsar Paul, son of Catherine the Great.

The three Tsar's named Alexander and Nicholas I, helped steer their dynasty towards its doom.

Which previous Russian Ruler could have saved the Romanov's? We look at seven potentials.

Today we ask the question, what if? What if Vladimir Lenin had lived another 10 or 20 years longer. What would that have done to the history of the Soviet Union?

Henchmen Mikoyan, Molotov, Suslov, Voroshilov and Zhdanov get covered today.

The henchmen of Stalin and Khrushchev were to be complicit in the murder of millions of people during the 1920's through the 50's.

Trofim Lysenko was one of the greatest charlatans of all time. He set back Soviet biology for decades.

As the Soviet leadership ages, the USSR is caught in a stagnant and corrupt era.

During the era of stagnation, the USSR was ruled by three men, Leonid Brezhnev, Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko.

In today's podcast we take another look at the life and times of Mikhail Gorbachev.

We review the life and legacy of the first Russian President, Boris Yeltsin.

We will be retracing all of the Russian Rulers, in reverse, starting with Vladimir Putin. This series will be more subjective than past episodes.

Ukraine has suffered through numerous wars and famines throughout the years. It helps explain what is going on there today.

Ukraine is as much of a part of the history of Russia, as Russia is itself. Join us as we cover its 1000+ history.

Famines have been a driving force behind many societal changes in Russian history. We will cover five major ones in today's podcast.

Pushkin is deep in debt, gets married, censored by the government then dies in a duel at the age of 37. Image is of Pushkin's widow, Natalia Pushkina.

Pushkin graduated from the Lycee but falls into a life of debauchery and liberalism that gets him into lots of trouble.

In today's podcast, we cover the early years of one of Russia's greatest poets, Alexander Pushkin.

This episode follows the last years of one of the greatest writers in history, Leo Tolstoy.

Tolstoy's marriage is somewhat infamous. What is not are two of his greatest works, War and Peace and Anna Karenina.

Leo Tolstoy heads to the Crimean War in Sevastopol, then takes two trips through Europe.

Leo Tolstoy submits his first book, Childhood, for publication. It is met with wild enthusiasm.

Leo Tolstoy deals with growing up, moving to Kazan and deciding what to do with his life. Image from A.Savin, WikiCommons

Leo Tolstoy, one of the greatest writers in world history had quite a tumultuous childhood.

In this episode, we concentrate on the serfs and their life on the Russian country estate.

The Russian country estate before the Russian Revolution was a beautiful place for the noble family. 

Leon Trotsky goes from one of the most powerful men in Russia to being in exile and finally murdered in 1940.

Between 1905 and 1817 Trotsky escaped from Siberia and headed to Europe awaiting the right moment to return to Russia.

Today, we cover the early years of Lev Bronstein, known to us as Leon Trotsky.

Feodor Dostoyevsky is considered one of the literary giants of Russia. His sometimes tragic life inspired many of his incredible writings.

Starting a new series on the culture of Russia, we begin with the legendary composer and musician, Pyotr Tchaikovsky. 

In today's podcast we discuss whether the Mongol Invasion of 1240 had any impact on Russia.

The aftermath of the Crimean War caused a shift in power within Europe with clear winners and losers.

The war, dragging on for almost 2 years, needed to come to an end. The men were dying of disease and botched military planning. It was time. 

The Crimean War was now at a standstill with the allies squabbling amongst themselves.

The Charge of the Light Brigade was a famous incident during the Battle of Balaclava. Today, I read the poem by Alfred, Lord Tennyson and the Last of the Light Brigade by Rudyard Kipling. 

The Battles of Balaklava and Inkerman and the Charge of the Light Brigade are covered in today's podcast.

The Battle of Alma was a decisive allied win but it gave them a sense of overconfidence that would soon turn to dread.

We now cover the beginning of the war and the incompetency of the diplomats and rulers who could have stopped the carnage.

The events leading up to the conflict were avoidable but bungling and religious fervor stole the day.

Today's podcast gives the listener a description of how Mark Schauss puts on an episode of the show.

The causes of the war and a description of the enormity of it and the suffering are discussed.

Today's podcast goes over the history of Crimea and talks about the reasons for the tensions between Russia and Ukraine.

The enserfment of the Russian peasant is the saddest and most tragic event in Russian history.

Belarus has been part of Russian history for a long time. Here is a brief review of it.

The Battle of Borodino was the turning point of Napoleon's invasion of Russia.

The three leading generals of the Napoleonic era were Bagration, Barclay de Tolly and Mikhail Kutuzov.

The Russian Imperial Army founded by Peter the Great has a long but mixed history.

Today's podcast follows the lives of three of the six great generals, Chichagov, Wittgenstein and Tormasov.

Rasputin's purported influence over the Tsar and Tsarina leads to his murder by members of the Russian aristocracy.

Rasputin's life and murder is one of the most controversial in world history. Here we try to set the record straight.

The death of Alexander I has long been a mystery. Did he fake his death and become a starets named Feodor Kuzmich to atone for his role in his father Paul I's murder?

In today's podcast we review the rebellions and discuss why they happened and corollaries to today's world events.

The Pugachev Rebellion was the largest of its kind in Russia until the revolutions of 1905 and 1917.

The Bulavin Rebellion, while the smallest of the four, was the one that might have succeeded if a few things came out differently.

Stenka Razin, a Don Cossack ataman, led a large insurgent army towards Moscow to save the Tsar and get rid of the evil boyars.

The Bolotnikov rebellion was the first of four major rebellions to hit Russia between 1600-1800.

From 1894 to present day, the ROC almost disappeared. Today, it is vibrant and international. 

The Church went through years of decay post Peter the Great. Numerous schismatic groups flourished throughout Russia.

The Patriarchal Era spanned a little over 125 years until Peter the Great ended it in 1720.

The Russian Orthodox Church's founding is steeped in myth and legend. Learn more about the early days in this episode. 

Russia is a vast and cold country. Learn how that influenced its history.

Chechnya and Russia have a bitter relationship going back to the time of Ivan the Terrible. Find out why. 

Well we made it from Rurik to Putin with the last of the Rulers podcast, Vladimir Putin.

Boris Yeltsin was successful at tearing apart the USSR but failed at revitalizing Russia.

Yeltsin pushes the Soviet Union to the brink causing it to collapse on itself.

Yeltsin, demoted from the Politburo rises to lead Russia as it moves away from the Soviet Union.

Yeltsin becomes the First Secretary in Moscow and shakes up things.

Boris Yeltsin goes from a young student to the First Secretary of the Sverdlovsk Oblast.

With the collapse of the USSR, a new person takes control, Boris Yeltsin. Here is the story of how he got there.

After 74 years of existance, the Soviet Union closes its doors on December 31, 1991.

The USSR is economically broke and Gorbachev is making things worse.

Gorbachev tries to rule a country with enormous problems

We recount Gorbachev's rise to the head of the USSR through his memoir.

We follow Gorbachev's rise to First Secretary of the Stavropol krai. 

This podcast is on the Christianization of the Rus according to the Primary Chronicle.

Based on his memoirs, we recount Gorbachev's rise to the top of the USSR.

After Brezhnev's death, two more Soviet leaders would die in quick succession which would lead to the ascension of Mikhail Gorbachev.

Brezhnev takes sole control of the USSR but the economy hits an era of stagnation.

With Khrushchev gone, Brezhnev, Kosygin and Podgorny ascend to the top.

The Primary Chronicles is the main writings that allow us to gain insight as to the lives of early Russia. Today's podcast covers the founding of the city of Kiev, the arrival of Rurik, Igor's death and Olga's revenge.

Nikita Khrushchev reveals his feelings about how the ordinary consumer feels about things in the Soviet Union after his overthrow.

Making enemies everywhere, Nikita Sergeyevich Khrushchev is ousted from his place as head of the Soviet Union.

Reading from Khrushchev Remembers, we recount his point of view about the Sino/Soviet conflict.

This is a show dedicated to my many listeners and attempts to answer questions posed by them.

The Cuban Missile Crisis comes to a head with the world holding its collective breaths.

The decision to place missiles in Cuba by Khrushchev is a bungled disaster.

The Berlin Wall is erected and the Cuban Missile Crisis threatens to unleash a thermonuclear war.

Mao visits Moscow to meet with Khrushchev and makes some startling statements.

Khrushchev's American trip did little to help ease worldwide tensions but the U-2 incident and the shoe banging incident in the U.N. was even worse.

Khrushchev and associates pay their first visit to China.

Khrushchev, now undisputed leader of the USSR, is determined thaw out relations with the West, his way. 

From the book Khrushchev Remembers: The Last Testament, this podcast focuses of the origins of the schism between the USSR and China.

Khrushchev, having survived a coup, takes on the international stage.

The Anti-Party group led by Molotov, Kaganovich and Malenkov attempt to overthrow Khrushchev.

After giving the Secret Speech, unforeseen crises erupted, the greatest of which was the Hungarian Revolution. Artwork from http://www.hungary1956.com/photos.htm

His rise to the top is one of legends. Here we follow Nikita Khrushchev's improbable climb.

Nikita Khrushchev grew up in abject poverty yet he eventually became one of the most powerful men in the world.

Khrushchev begins his jockeying for power against Malenkov and Molotov.

An edited version of the Secret Speech of Nikita Khrushchev given to the 20th Congress of the Communist Party in 1956 is read.

With Stalin dead, a power vacuum gets filled but Beria failed to see a plot led by Khrushchev to overthrow him. 

Joseph Stalin, who ruled the USSR for 30 years was planning World War III when he died of a stroke in 1953.

With World War II over, Stalin now plans for global domination and starts the Cold War.

With the Germans being beaten across the board, Stalin resumes purging his people of nationalistic tendencies. 

The Battles of Moscow and Stalingrad as well as the siege of Leningrad are center stage.

Hitler's Wehrmacht invades Russia and Stalin is forced to figure out a way to save his country.

Preparations are made by the Germans and Russians for war and on June 22, 1941 Stalin got his wish.

Stalin fuels the fires of paranoia to escalate the Great Purge of 1937 and 38.

The Great Purges was a time where millions were killed to eliminate all enemies of Joseph Stalin.

Stalin begins the Reign of Terror sending millions of Russians to their death. 

Stalin takes control of the USSR and ousts his enemies, Trotsky, Kamenev and Zinoviev.

Stalin quickly rises up the ranks, becoming a minister in the new Bolshevik government. 

As a preview to the post-Rulers podcasts, today we focus on Mikhail Bakunin famed philosopher/anarchist.

Soso, became the revolutionary Koba who followed his idol Lenin and the Bolshevik Party.

Today's podcast tells the tale of the young Stalin, known in his childhood as Soso.

Lenin, resolves the economic disasters hitting Russia, suffers 3 strokes which take him out of control of the country.

With Lenin taking control of the government, a civil war broke out that threatened his position. 

Vladimir Lenin takes control of the Russian government amidst chaos in Petrograd.

With Nicholas II gone, the Provisional Government led by Alexander Kerensky takes control.

Today's episode is meant to answer questions that have been posed about Russian history.

Nicholas II has abdicated the throne and is now house arrest where he awaits his fate. 

Nicholas II under increasing pressure to abdicate, gives up the throne his family held for over 300 years.

Nicholas II celebrates a number of historical events while he gets his country ready to plunge into WWI. 

Nicholas II steers Russian foreign policy towards war after changing the makeup of the Duma.

Tsar Nicholas II allows for a Duma to be formed after the Revolution of 1905.

Russia plunges headlong into war with Japan and suffers a humiliating defeat.

Nicholas II, instead of relaxing the policies of his father Alexander III, tightens them alienating more and more of his subjects.

Nicholas II becomes Tsar reluctantly on the death of his father. Within years tragedy strikes at the celebration of his coronation at the Khodynka Field.

Alexander III take control of Russia and undoes many of the reforms of his late, murdered father.

Alexander II tries to reform Russia only to have multiple assassinations come his way. Eventually one was to succeed bringing his reign to an abrupt end. 

With Nicholas I dead and the Crimean War going badly, Alexander II takes control and seeks to reform his Russia. 

So how do I come up with all of my podcasts? This episode host Mark Schauss reviews the books he uses to research the subject of Russian History.

Nicholas I, keeps his reactionary position intact which causes Russia to lose the Crimean War, with the army suffering horrible losses. 

Alexander I dies and his brother Nicholas takes control but not without a bit of controversy.

Napoleon is chased by Alexander I all the way to Paris. The Tsar then has a change in personality causing him to reverse many of his earlier reforms.

Mikhail Speransky was a brilliant man who saw how bad things truly were in Russia in the early 19th century. This short episode is a reading from a memorandum he wrote.

Napoleon continues to menace the Russian border until he decides to invade in 1812. Things don't go as planned.

Alexander I takes over for his murdered father Paul I. Napoleon is charging through Europe threatening Russia.

Serfdom enslaved 90% of the Russian population which represented 54 million people by the time Alexander I took the throne.

With Catherine the Great dead, her son Paul I sought to reverse all that she had accomplished.

Catherine, now in her sixties takes her last breath ushering in the reign of her son, Paul I. 

Empress Catherine, having taken control of the Crimea, sets off on a grand tour of the newly conquered land.

Catherine, now in her 50's marries off Paul yet again and is given the heir's she so desperately wanted.

In another Cliff Notes version of the podcast, we review the time from Dmitri Donskoi to the birth of Ivan the Terrible.

Tired of her brainless lover, Catherine brings to court the love of her life, Grigory Potemkin.

The greatest peasant rebellion in Russian history, led by Pugachev sends shivers down Empress Catherine's spine.

On April 30, 2010, I started this podcast, now one year later, I will recount the episodes from the beginning in a condensed form.

Catherine, now in firm control, becomes the first Russian to be innoculated for smallpox. She also starts a war with the Ottoman Empire.

Catherine, fresh off the coup d'etat which brought her to power, consolidates her tenuous hold on the throne.

Catherine, now Grand Duchess of Russia, plots to take control once Empress Elizabeth dies.

Sophie, now baptized Catherine Alexeyevna, begins to understand that her life was not to be an easy one. She was to find out who the Russians really were.

Sophie Augusta Fredericka was an unlikely candidate to marry well. We follow her early years before she wed the future Tsar Peter III.

Peter III, in his few short months accomplished much. The Manifesto Freeing the Nobility From Service was one such accomplishment.

Elizabeth I, Empress of Russia, had Russia embroiled in 2 world wars up until her death.

Elizabeth, having overthrown Ivan VI in a bloodless coup, rules Russia with a opulent style spending vast sums of money on the luxuries of the day.

Peter the Great is dead and his successor Catherine I died only 2 years later. Anna was followed by Peter II and Ivan VI who was overthrown by Peter the Great's daughter Elizabeth.

One of Peter the Great's reforms was the publishing of the Table of Ranks. It defined where a man would be in terms of nobility and place in society.

Peter the Great's reign, lasting 42 years comes to an end. His legacy though, lasts to this day.

Peter the Great's son Alexis, turns out to be the great disappointment of the Tsar's life. Russia begins to bring fear throughout Europe as its power grows.

Bathing in the glory of Poltava, Peter becomes too cocky and almost has everything reversed at Pruth.

Charles XII of Sweden was a thorn in Peter I's side for many years. Here I give a brief overview of his life and impact on the world.

The Battle of Poltava is a seminal moment in Russian history destined to change the country forever. Peter accomplishes this while building St. Petersburg.

Peter, fresh from his Great Embassy, embarks on the Great Northern War against Sweden.

Peter travels from Holland to England than off the Vienna before returning to Moscow to deal with the Streltsy revolt.

Peter embarks on a Great Embassy to meet with the leaders of Europe and work as a simple carpenter in the ship building capitals of the world. 

Peter, having partied for 5 years, is ready to take control of things and take the fight to the Turk backed Tatars in Azov.

Peter has shed himself of Sophia but yearns to be with the foreigners and party the night away.

Sophia's time is up and Peter grabs for power.

In the 17th century Moscow began to understand its limitation and why it needed to westernize.

Were the Muscovites literate? Did they have an educational system? We answer these questions in today's short podcast.

Muscovite art and architecture was a thing of beauty at the time of Peter the Great's rise to power.

Sophia, fresh from taking control of Russia through the use of the Streltsy relies on her love Vasili Golitsyn to run Russia.

From the book A History of Russia by Riasanovsky and Steinberg comes a description of Muscovite thought and literature.

From A History of Russia by Riasanovsky and Steinberg, we recount the issue of religion and the schism in Muscovite Russia.

Now in his early teens, Peter begins his life lessons, especially the lessons of war. Staying outside Moscow, he gains his love for the water and ships.

Feodor dies leaving no direct heir but the Streltsy have in mind that their will be done.

Alexis I and Feodor III begin the slow Westernization of Russia through tumultuous times.

The writings of Adam Olearius give us an insight into the day to day lives of the Russian people in the 17th Century.

The Cossacks were a free living peoples who play a big role in Russian history due to their military service.

The Time of Troubles is over but Russia needs a new Tsar. A sixteen year old boy, Michael Romanov is selected to lead the nation.

Boris Godunov becomes Tsar at the worst possible moment, the beginning of the Time of Troubles. False Dmitri's abound in this weeks podcast.

Ivan the Terrible is dead replaced by his feeble minded son Feodor. Boris Godunov sits and waits for his turn at being Tsar.

Ivan nearing the end of his life strikes out at his own son causing the eventual end of the Rurik line of rulers.

What was the Oprichnina? Was it the musings of a madman or a brilliant measure to centralize power?

Ivan, now in true psychopathic mode begins the full-scale terror of the Oprichnina period. 

Ivan the Terrible was known for his cruelty but should have been equally known for his many wives, eight.

His wife dead, his mentors banished or murdered, Ivan begins his reign of terror, first aimed at the boyar class. Nothing was left ot hold Ivan back.

Ivan IV, fresh from the victory at Kazan, endures two tragic events in the coming years, the death of his son Dmitri and his wife Anastasia.

Ivan, fresh off his wedding and coronation, sets off the rid himself of the Tartar menace in Kazan.

Ivan IV, now rid of his antagonists, gets ready to ascend to the throne and get married. Then crisis strikes the young Tsar.

Ivan, left to fend for himself is largely ignored by his supposed protectors. Traumatic events were to follow his youthfull years.

Young Ivan IV, Grand Prince of Moscow, serves as a figurehead ruler with his mother as Regent.

Vasilli III, son of Ivan the Great continues his fathers expansionist policies. We also answer the question why Moscow?

The final episode of Ivan the Great's life discusses the many issues he dealt with towards the end of his reign.

Ivan deals with both a new wife and the end of the dominance of the Golden Horde this week as well as finishing of pesky Tver.

Ivan the Great, gatherer of Russian lands, defeats and brings into the fold the pesky city state of Novgorod. 

In this short podcast, I discuss the life and enormous influence of St. Sergius of Radonezh.

The son and grandson of Dmitri Donskoi lead Russia through difficult times, avoiding disaster but wearing the Muscovite populace down. 

Dmitri Donskoi, hero of the battle of Kulikovo Field was to shatter the myth of Mongol invincibility.

Ivan I or Moneybags, begins to consolidate power into has hands and into the city of Moscow.

Alexander Nevsky was dead and the Mongols were in control. A little town, of no consequence begins its rise through its leader Daniel, Nevsky's little boy.

Alexander Nevsky, the shining light in a sea of darkness, has his life and influence discussed in today's podcast.

In a quick or slap shot of an episode, we delve into the appanage system of inheritance that helped rule Russia and ultimately made it vunerable.

Andrei Bogolyubski, fresh from his destruction of Kiev, sets the stage for autocratic rule in Russia. On the horizon though come the fearsome Mongols.

Yaroslav the Wise and Vladimir Monomakh reign Kiev during its zenith which was to come to a swift and brutal end.

Vladimir the Great, the man who helped convert his nation to Christianity and Sviatopolk the Accursed who caused a civil war after Vladimir's death are discussed.

In this episode we discuss the peoples who inhabited the lands of early Russia and the early rulers of Kiev, from Rurik to Yarolpolk I.