Unit Four: The Russian Domain
1. Compare the climate, vegetation, and agricultural conditions of Russia's European west with those of Siberia and the Russian Far East.
The East European Plain covers most of European Russia. The West Siberian spreads east to the Yenisei River. The vegetation and terrain are very alike in all of these natural zones but Russia contains nearly all the major vegetation zones of the world. With long winters and little sunshine, the tundra is Russia's northernmost zone. Taiga stretches from the western borders of Russia to the Pacific. Taiga is divided in two east and west. The east has a mainland climate and the west has a milder climate.
2. Describe some of the high environmental costs of industrialization within …show more content…
What were the key phases of colonial expansion during the rise of the Russian Empire, and how did each enlarge the reach of the Russian state?
Russia’s move in the empire direction began with its expansion into the steppe. Because the Russians began their expansion with the Middle East, this linked them to the Middle East in many ways and determined how they would later treat it. Russia’s expansion into the steppe occurred in two phases. The first phase occurred between the 15th and 17th centuries. During this time, Russia copied strategies of nation building previously seen in medieval Europe. By the 18th century, Russians changed their approach and copied the imperialist strategies of their European rivals.
7. What are some of the key ethnic minority groups within Russia and the neighboring states, and how have they been recognized in the region's geopolitical structure?
Although many have given up their own culture and language in favor of the Russian way or life, some ethnic groups such as the Karelians, Komi, and Mordivinians are still part of the modern cultural geography. For example, Karelians identify strongly with the Finnish culture. The Soviets came up with solutions to these groups by creating separate areas to recognize special