Soviet citizens from all over the state went to the south of the USSR in the summertime; Gagra, Jurmala, Yevpatoria, Sochi, Yalta, Pitsunda, Gelendzhik and Anapa were the most popular vacation destinations. The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), founded in 1922 and dissolved in 1991, was one of the most powerful and influential states of the 20th century. Spanning 11 time zones and including 15 republics — from Russia and Ukraine to Georgia, Kazakhstan, and the Baltic states — the Soviet Union shaped the lives of millions through a unique combination of ideology, central planning, and strict political control.
Life in the Soviet Union was marked by contrasts: on one hand, rapid industrial progress, free education, and social welfare; on the other, censorship, shortages, and limited personal freedoms. Everyday existence was deeply influenced by the state’s vision of building a “classless society.” The Soviet government aimed to create equality among its citizens. The state owned most resources, industries, and land, and it provided jobs, housing, healthcare, and education. However, life was far from equal in practice.
