1917
Bolsheviks (socialists loyal to Vladimir Lenin) seize control of the Russian government.

1918
The first Soviet constitution mandates separation of church and state. The Russian civil war begins between Bolsheviks (Reds) and non-Bolsheviks (Whites).

1920
The Russian civil war ends in a Bolshevik victory.

1922
The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (Soviet Union) is formed.

1924
Lenin dies and is replaced by Josef Stalin.

1926
The Family Code reforms family life and divorce.

1927
The first Five-Year Plan is adopted.

1928
The first Five-Year Plan begins, focusing on revitalizing industry.

1929
Churches and religious associations are banned. The "cult of personality" begins with the celebration of Stalin's fiftieth birthday.

1930
A program to collectivize agriculture begins.

1932
Famine breaks out in the Ukraine.

1933
The second Five-Year Plan begins, focusing on production of consumer goods.

1934
The Great Purge begins.

1935
The collectivization program is reformed.

1936
A new family law restricts abortion and divorce.

1938
The third Five-Year Plan begins, focusing on...