Unit 6: Russia, the Caucasus, and Central Asia

Which of the following most accurately describes Russia's past and present political structures, and why many Russians believe that political change is inevitable?

• Originally settled by the Huns in the south, the region was conquered by the Mongol Empire. After the Mongols, leaders from Moscow attempted a democracy similar to one in the United States. Communist leaders came to power after World War II, but their rule recently collapsed. Today, Russia's socialist government is moving back towards a democracy.

• The Western part of the country was originally settled by Vikings. The region was then conquered by the Mongol Empire. After the Mongols, leaders from Moscow formed a monarchy and expanded control throughout Asia. Communist leaders gained control after World War I, but their rule recently collapsed. Today, Russia's government is a democracy that shows signs of moving towards more government control.

• Originally settled by the Mongols, the region gained stability when the Byzantine Empire conquered most of the feuding city­ states. Leaders from St. Petersburg formed a monarchy which lasted until World War II. Communist leaders then gained control until a recent democratic revolution. Today, Russia's government is a democracy that shows signs of moving back towards communism.

• Originally settled by Lithuanian traders, leaders from Moscow formed a monarchy and expanded their control across Asia. The Byzantine Empire then conquered the region followed by the Mongols. After the collapse of Mongol control, communist leaders gained control and built a large empire. Communist control collapsed after World War II. Today, Russia's government is a constitutional monarchy that shows signs of moving back towards democracy.

Why has Siberia become an increasingly valuable area to Russia?

• The Russian military uses the region to limit the influence of China on East Asia.

• Most Russian prisons are built in the area to take advantage of the remote location.

• The many natural resources have led to expanding industry and trade.

• Siberian ice is transported west for agriculture in drought regions around the Ural Mountains.

How do geography and location contribute to the climate of Siberia?

• Siberia is a vast, grassy plain protected from cold winds by the Ural Mountains.

• Siberia is surrounded on all sides by mountains, keeping the climate predictable and stable.

• Siberia has few geographic barriers with the Gobi Desert, giving the region a warm climate most of the year.

• Siberia is a vast, flat region partly within the Arctic Circle with few geographic barriers to the freezing winds from the north.

How do the Ural Mountains affect the distribution of climate regions in Russia?

• The northern side of the mountain range receives cool, rainy weather, while the southern side is a hot desert.

• The western side of the mountain range receives warm continental winds, while the eastern side is much cooler and drier.

• The western side receives cold, arctic weather, while the eastern side is protected from weather extremes and has a mild climate.

• The western side of the mountain range receives warm Mediterranean winds, while the eastern side is affected by Indian Ocean monsoon rains.

How has Siberia gained population and become more economically developed?

• The Trans­Siberian railroad has allowed people and goods to travel more easily to the region.

• Military bases along the eastern coast have attracted new cities to grow nearby.

• Chinese workers have used new highways to access the vast Siberian forests.

• Port cities along the north coast have attracted immigrants from Scandinavia and Japan to create a large fishing industry.

Why do the cultures of the republics of Transcaucasia differ considerably from cultures in Russia and the European republics?

• The region is bordered by the Black and Caspian Seas which has allowed for migration of peoples from the east and influences from Chinese culture.

• The Black Sea separates the region from Russian and European cultures, and ties it closer to Siberian cultures, allowing it to develop a unique culture in isolation from the rest of Russia.

• After World War II, the states gained independence from Russia and began receiving millions of immigrants from Turkey and Iran, which gave them a culture unique to their region.

• The region is bordered to the north by the Caucasus Mountains and is at geographic crossroads with many languages and cultural influences distinct from Russian and European cultures.

Which statement BEST describes a command economy?

• There is significant surplus with no price controls.

• The government decides what and how much to produce.

• The law of supply and demand determines the price of goods.

• Consumer needs change little from one generation to the next.

Which pair of nations has the HIGHEST standard of living?

(a)  

• Armenia and Russia
• Russia and Ukraine
• Georgia and Turkmenistan
• Russia and Georgia

The Russian economy is moving to a system that reflects principles of a —

(a)  

• free­ market economy
• communist economy
• traditional economy
• socialist economy

Which areas are the MOST densely populated parts of Russia?

(a)  

• the eastern and northern regions
• the west and southwestern regions
• the eastern and western regions
• the center of the country