The History of Ukraine

Ukraine's struggle for a national identity plagued this former Soviet Union state long before the Cold War shook the world. Its central location between Eastern Europe and Western Asia invited many different cultures to settle the land, ultimately populating a powerful early medieval society known as Kievan Rus. However, readers will learn how Kievan Rus's Golden Age quickly crumbled with decades of Mongol invasions, Polish-Lithuanian occupation, and Russian empirical ruling. Explore how Ukraine flirted with independence in the early 20th century, only to be quickly taken over by harsh Soviet rule in 1922. Despite its independence from the USSR in 1991, devastating consequences of the socialist rule have allowed the world to witness Ukraine's ceaseless efforts to attain a stable government, struggling through the poisoning of Viktor Yushchenko, rigged elections, and the Orange Revolution. Kubicek's survey is comprehensive and concise-a perfect resource for high school students and undergrads, as well as general readers looking to further their knowledge of this up-and-coming nation.

Author: Paul Kubicek
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Published: 10/01/2008
Pages: 220
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 1.00lbs
Size: 9.30h x 6.30w x 0.80d
ISBN: 9780313349201

Review Citation(s):
Reference and Research Bk News 11/01/2008 pg. 38

About the Author

Paul Kubicek is Professor of Political Science at Oakland University.