Question by Smurflz: Did Russia used to be called soviet union during world war 2?
I’m doing a project about Germany during the reign of Hitler. I know Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, but could I also say that they were invading Russia as well? Basically what I’m asking is if the soviet union and Russia were the same place during WWII?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Damocles
The short answer is yes.
The Soviet Union was, supposedly, a conglomeration of 53 “countries”. In reality, those “countries” had no attonomy what so ever. It was effectively one big country.
When the Soviet Union broke up, it broke into several countries (I’m sure I’ll miss a few, and misspell some of them): Russia, Ukrane, Georgia, Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia, Kyrzistan, Uzbeckastan. So, while the modern day country of Russia was in the Soviet Union, the Soviet Union included a number of other states too.
Russia was ruled by the Tzars. During WWI, the communists started a civil war, which eventually took over the country, and took a few other countries too. This war started in 1917. I’m not sure exactly when the Communist takeover was complete, but I’m sure it was done by 1923. When did the Soviet Union break up? The late 1990’s?
The “Soviet Union” was known as the U.S.S.R (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics), which in Russian comes out C.C.C.P. You may see those acronyms.
Add your own answer in the comments!
Maritsa S says
You're both right & wrong)
Russia was part of the Soviet Union, not the whole country. Also, the country had been called Soviet Russia not long before WW2, till the forming of the USSR in 1922. So, it won't be a mistake to call it Russia
brainstorm says
The Soviet Union included Russia.
It was formed out of the old Russian Empire and included most of the former territories of the empire.
andy says
Since you're talking about WWII, it's best to use the "Soviet Union" or "USSR" if you want to be accurate.
"what I'm asking is if the soviet union and Russia were the same place during WWII?"
Russia was just one of many socialist republics comprising the Soviet Union, just like Ukraine, Belarus and Georgia for example. Basically, Russia and Ukraine to the USSR is like England and Scotland to the UK. Russia and Ukraine are different countries, but were part of the same nation, the Soviet Union. England and Scotland are different countries, but are part of the same nation, the United Kingdom.
"Did Russia used to be called soviet union during world war 2?"
So no, not really. Russia was called Russia. You cannot say that Russia = Soviet Union. Russia was just PART of the Soviet Union.
If you're referring to Russia you're referring to Russians
If you're referring to the Soviet Union you're referring to Russians + Ukrainians + Belarussians + Georgians etc
"I know Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941, but could I also say that they were invading Russia as well?"
Not really. Because when Germany invaded the Soviet Union in 1941 they were invading Ukraine, Belarus and other countries of the Soviet Union first, and so would've invaded Russia later on.
Jim L says
The USSR was so called from 1924 to 1991.
From 1917 to 1924 it was the RSFSR (Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic) and its satellites.
cernunnicnos says
No, Russia was a part of the USSR, though it did make up the bulk of it. When the Germans attacked, they went through the Ukraine and Belorussia before they got to Russia. Stalin wasn't Russian for instance, he was from Georgia (the country, not the US state).
You could say they were invading Russia as it's very common to do so, but it's not accurate.
The Duke of Dank says
The USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republics) was a federation of communist countries, and was dominated by Russia, being the largest and most populous.
sister says
ya i believe it was once called soviet union but im not for sure what time period
Jacob says
yes, it was also call USSR
Andy says
Yes they were the same place, after the fall of the Soviet Union the name changed to Russia but it is essentially the same thing. If you are being technical you should say Soviet Union so others understand this was a WW2 event.
Liz says
yes
Hollywood Prod. says
That is was