Nuclear fission was discovered in 1938 by Meitner and Frisch. Leo Szilard patented neutron-inducted chain reaction in 1934. Einstein warned Roosevelt about Nazi nuclear threat in 1939
Revolution began in 1917 after World War I's devastating losses and food shortages. Tsar Nicholas II's authoritarian rule and Rasputin's influence weakened the monarchy. Peasant discontent over land ownership and working conditions grew. Rapid industrialization created urban proletariat with poor living conditions
World's largest country covering 8.65 million square miles. Extended 6,800 miles east-west, 2,800 miles north-south. Borders Arctic Ocean to north, Pacific to east, and multiple seas to south. Nearly half territory north of 60° N latitude
Napoleon represents Stalin, using violence and deceit to seize power. Snowball represents Trotsky and Lenin, both later sidelined by Stalin. Boxer represents Soviet workers, valued only for his strength. Old Major represents Marx and Lenin, inspiring the revolution
WWII was the deadliest armed conflict in human history. Over 100 million combatants participated between 1939-1945. Total estimated deaths between 70-85 million people. Civilian deaths were twice as high as military deaths
USSR established in 1924 under Stalin's totalitarian command economy. Communist Party controlled all aspects of life through directives and regulations. Command economy coordinated production through hierarchical structures