Points of Russia: Exploring the Land of the Tsars

39; ' Exploring the Effects of the Russian Revolution Throughout the course of history, it has been clear that certain events have helped shape the way we live our lives. One of the most visible of these events was the Russian Revolution, which lasted from 1917 to 1922. At its peak, the Revolution abolished the Tsar’s monarchy and installed a new government: the Bolsheviks. This, in turn, had massive implications for all aspects of life in Russia, from its economy to its social structure. Here, we will discuss the effects of the Russian Revolution, and how it has shaped the modern and contemporary Russian sphere. One of the first and most visible effects of the Revolution was the switch from the Tsar’s monarchy to a new governmental structure. This new system was based on the principle of socialism, and was made up of a single-party state. The Bolshevik Party, helmed by Lenin and Trotsky, was the primary political force in Russia, and imposed a highly centralized government. This...

Appreciating Russian Paintings and Sculptures There are few countries in the world that have as much visual art history as Russia. Ever since the days of the tsars, beautiful works of Russian art have been created to commemorate special occasions, to hang on bedroom walls, and to sell at marketplaces. Today, art connoisseurs and tourists can find a wealth of fun and interesting art in Russia, both modern and classical works. So, how did the art of Russia evolve and what should art fans be looking for? The earliest forms of Russian art have their roots in the Byzantine art of the Middle Ages. Traditionally, Russian art was inspired by the Bible, which was illustrated with colorful murals and sculptures. Russian fine art was especially popular during the Renaissance, when famous painters like Tintoretto, Veronese, and Rubens made their mark in the country. Other styles include the Baroque, Cubism, and impressionism of the 19th century. Vladimir Fedotov @ Uns...

Journeying Through the Volga River Nestled in the heart of Russia is the Volga River, the longest river in Europe and the largest in the country. Known throughout the world as the Mother River of Russia, the Volga River has been a valuable source of transportation, trade, and sustenance that has enriched the land throughout its long history. This majestic river stretches a span of 2,300 miles (3,700 kilometers) across 11 of the country’s federal subjects, passing through a variety of awe-inspiring landscapes. From the pristine lakes of the north to the steppe of the south and the sweeping banks of the Golden Ring region in between, journeying through the Volga River is an unforgettable experience for any exploring soul. Begin your exploration of the Volga from the northwest, where the river’s source lies in the Valaam archipelago of Lake Ladoga. Many of the ancient monasteries in this region are perched atop rocky, often-snowy islands, providing visitors a glimpse into a forgotten er...