56. The Fall Of The USSR (Part 2)

In this episode we discuss the destructive effects of Gorbachev’s reforms, both in the satellite Soviet countries and in Russia itself, culminating in the formal dissolution of the USSR. Dan McGinnis returns as guest.

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55. The Fall Of The USSR (Part 1)

In this episode we talk about the difficulties facing the Soviet Union throughout the 1980’s, as well as the policies of its young new leader Mikhail Gorbachev. Dan McGinnis returns as guest.

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Notes: Episode 2, The Birth Of Russia (Part 2)

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information.   5:52 – Phil asks for an approximate population of the world, which after much protestation I guess at 100 million. It’s incredibly difficult to estimate historical population, but for the year 1200 I’ve found between 360 and 400 million. Swing and a miss there. […]

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2. The Birth Of Russia (Part 2)

In this episode we discuss the long-lasting effects the Mongol invasion of Europe had on the nascent Russian people, from two centuries of subjugation through to a consolidation of power under several great leaders that would create the modern Russian state. Phil Downey returns as guest.  

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Notes: Episode 1, The Birth Of Russia (Part 1)

As with every show, I’ll list any corrections or clarifications here. If there’s anything I’ve overlooked, please contact me by email or in the comments and I’ll edit the notes to reflect the new information.   19:42 – The major river I’m unable to remember is the Yellow River, called Huang He in Chinese. A number of ancient Chinese civilizations, including the Jiahu, arose along this river as early as 7000 BCE.   39:43 – The Code of Hammurabi was […]

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1. The Birth Of Russia (Part 1)

In this episode we examine the earliest development of Russian political and cultural identity in the region near the Black Sea, beginning with various nomadic tribes and ending with the establishment of Kievan Rus – the original Russia. Phil Downey joins this show as guest.

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