Imperial dreams, harsh realities - David MacKenzie

This succinct treatment of the formation and expansion of the Russian Empire is a perfect suppplement to courses in the history of Russia and the USSR, or modern European history. It reveals how Russian statesmen's grandiose dreams of imperial glory proved abortive, and how the harsh realities of international politics and finance led to the collapse of the Russian Empire during World War I. Features: * Presents a historical basis for understanding events in Russia, the former Soviet republics and the Balkans, focusing on the era of expansion for Russia in the 19th century. * Shows the struggle to keep the territory won by the tsars, and how subsequent generations lost the empire, leaving Russia with approximately the same amount of land it had in the 17th century. * Provides perspectives for the current situation in the former Yugoslavia by explaning the close historical relationship between Russians and Serbians. * Pictures and maps clarify discussions of Russian foreign policy. * Includes lists of Muscovite Grand Princes (1328-1547), Russian Tsars (1547-1801), Russian Emperors (1801-1917), and Foreign Ministers (1801-1917).;* Each chapter provides suggested readings for up-to-date sources in English. * Glossary of Russian terms and bibliography of foreign language works help students conduct research for more in-depth studies.