The objective of this research is to research and examine just how revolutionary were the policies toward women in the early period of Soviet rule between the years of 1921 and 1939. The review will address the questions of: (1) What sources are used by authors of works reviewed in this research?; (2) Do the authors display any overt biases, national, intellectual or otherwise?; (3) What are the main conclusions of the authors?; (3) Are the views of the authors justified?; and (4) What has been learned from each source?
             Under the rule of the Soviet Union in the period spanning the years between 1921 and 1939 it is purported by some historians that women experienced advances in freedom and equality in the Soviet Union however, other historians argue that this is simply not the case. This work will, through a review of available literature attempt to disseminate the truth from fiction as to the advances, or lack of advances in society during this time period.
             The year of 1917 in Russia began with a Romanov monarchy however, just a few months later the Bolsheviks came into power with their leaders under indictment for state treason. The Russian society was in a state of conflict between the classes when this change of power came to be. According to the work of Leon Trotsky entitled: "The History of the Russian Revolution" a problem exists in that "society does not change its institutions as need arises, the way a mechanic changes his instruments. On the contrary society actually takes the institutions which hang upon it as given once for all."i (Trotsky, 1930) According to Trotsky "the masses go into a revolution not with a prepared plan of social reconstruction, but with a sharp feeling that they cannot endure the old regime."ii
             Trotsky reports that the tsar Nicholas "was not only unstable, but treacherous. Nicholas recoiled in hostility before everything gifted and significant. He felt at ease only among completely mediocre and...