Medieval and early modern times - The early nineteenth century, the peasantry, taxation and the redistribution of wealth - Great reforms and the rise of a revolutionary movement - 1905 Revolution - Economic and social change in early twentieth century - The February Revolution - Civil war and the origins of a new social order - New Economic Policy - Collectivisation and industrialisation - Joseph Stalin - The Great Patriotic War - Impact of war - The Cold War - Reforming the Stalinist system - CHange from 1964 to 1982 - Perestroika and the end of the Soviet experiment - Reasons for failure.