lecture recording on 10 March 2025 at 11.18.05 AM

Alaska Purchase

• The U.S. aimed to remove Russian presence from North America, resulting in significant territorial disputes.

• The Secretary of State who orchestrated the purchase of Alaska faced public ridicule, with detractors labeling it as an "icebox."

• Today, the Alaska Purchase is viewed as a wise investment, having been acquired at just 3 cents an acre.

Expansion of Russia

• Russia significantly expanded its territory beyond Saint Petersburg, acquiring regions including the Baltic States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and parts of Poland.

• The historical context of the Industrial Revolution is tied into the discussion of territorial dynamics and industrial capabilities.

Industrial Revolution Origins

• The Industrial Revolution began in England and Wales, spurred by advancements in manufacturing.

• Although dates of onset vary, notable activity was observed around 1770, with the rise of textile mills and mechanized production.

• Key industries included textiles, iron, steel, and coal mining, setting the framework for industrial growth.

• The introduction of iron production made manufacturing cheaper and transformed infrastructure, leading to shipbuilding and bridge construction using iron.

Spread of Industrialization

• By the early 1800s, the industrial movement spread through Northwestern Europe, reaching the Northeast of the U.S. with textile mills establishing prior to 1800.

• By the late 19th century, industrialization extended to Germany, Austria-Hungary, Northern Italy, and was eventually embraced by Russia and Japan.

Railroad Development

• A map from 1850 shows an expansive railroad network in Britain, supporting quick transportation of goods and people.

• The industrialization and railroad construction greatly facilitated economic growth and accessible markets in the U.S.

• Contrarily, Russia lagged behind, with an underdeveloped rail network that relied on foreign expertise.

World War I (1914-1918)

• Russia, aligned with the Allies, faced significant defeats, demonstrating deficiencies in military and supply chain technologies.

• The inability to properly equip troops led to low morale; this situation sparked revolution under leaders like Vladimir Lenin.

• Lenin's promise to end Russian involvement in World War I and redistribute food exemplified his revolutionary appeal.

Bolshevik Revolution

• The revolution of 1917 led to the downfall of the Czar and the establishment of Bolshevik power, resulting in radical economic and political changes in Russia.

• Lenin’s policies reversed previous trends of Western alignment, focusing on consolidating power internally.

Aftermath of the War

• The outcome of World War I saw dramatic territorial changes in Eastern Europe, with the fall of empires and the establishment of new nations.

• The restoration of Poland and independence for Baltic states marked significant geopolitical shifts, conversely detrimental for Russia, reverting to historical borders.

Command Economy in the USSR

• Following the Bolshevik revolution, the Soviet Union instituted a command economy characterized by government control over production and distribution of goods.

• Essential services and goods were produced based on state plans rather than market demands, limiting competition.

• Challenges included inefficiencies and poor-quality products, as evidenced by citizens lining up for scarce goods.

Comparative Economic Systems: Command vs. Market

• Discusses the differences between command economies (Soviet model) and free market economies, highlighting the efficiency and potential flaws of each system.

• Command economies struggle with innovation, making forward-thinking planning particularly challenging due to bureaucratic inertia.

World War II and the Cold War Context

• The Second World War began with the invasion of Poland by Germany and the subsequent Soviet invasion from the East.

• The non-aggression pact between Germany and the Soviet Union facilitated initial cooperation, later overshadowed by Germany's attack on the USSR.

• The crucial battles on the Eastern Front showcased the harsh realities of war and shifting military dynamics.