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The earliest Russian state, known as Kievan Rus, had its capital for the most part in Kiev (in present day Ukraine). The ruling dynasty came from Scandinavia and had cultural and commercial ties to northern Europe.

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Since Stalin's death there have been many outward changes in the U.S.S.R.--scientific advance, industrial progress, an improved material standard of living, and relaxation of internal fear and tension.

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Russia has a great ethnic diversity with 80% Russian and 70 other minor groups including Finnish, Turkic and Monogolian.

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In 1917, Russian revolution took place, which dismanlted the Tsarist autocracy and led to the eventual rise of the Soviet Union.

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1. In the 13th century, the Mongols controlled the region
2. In August 1945 The United States dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima and Nagasaki which lead to the end of World War 2.
3. In 1962, The Cuban Missile Crisis occurs.
4. In 1989, The Soviet Union withdraws from Afghanistan and The Berlin Wall is destroyed.
5. In !991 The Soviet Union is dismantled and Russia becomes an independent federation.
6.In 2002 Russia becomes an ally of NATO.

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The countries of Russia and the Western Republics are Belarus, Moldova, Ukraine, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Russia.

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After the fall of the Soviet Union, the region was divided into 15 independent republics, and Russia is the largest and most powerful.

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One key event in Russia was the Cold war that took place in the 1940's between the United States and the Soviet Union.

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The Russian state began in the region  between the Baltic and Black sea.