St. PetersburgSt. PetersburgMikhail NokhovMikhail Nokhov

Gymnasium # 1Gymnasium # 1

KhasavyurtKhasavyurt

Although just 300 years Although just 300 years old, St. Petersburg has a old, St. Petersburg has a rich and exciting rich and exciting history, full of dramatic history, full of dramatic events and major events and major historical figures. historical figures. Founded in 1703 by Founded in 1703 by Emperor Peter the Great Emperor Peter the Great as his "window on the as his "window on the West", St. Petersburg West", St. Petersburg enjoys a vibrant, enjoys a vibrant, cosmopolitan cosmopolitan atmosphere and some of atmosphere and some of the most beautiful the most beautiful architecture in Europe.architecture in Europe.

Despite its short life so far, Petersburg has a rich and Despite its short life so far, Petersburg has a rich and exciting history. From the early days of Peter the Great's exciting history. From the early days of Peter the Great's "Venice of the North" to the modern events of the 1991 coup "Venice of the North" to the modern events of the 1991 coup d'etat, the city has always bustled with life and intrigue, d'etat, the city has always bustled with life and intrigue, revolution and mystery. revolution and mystery.

The lands along the Neva River have belonged to the Ancient The lands along the Neva River have belonged to the Ancient Russian state since at least the 9th century AD. However, Russian state since at least the 9th century AD. However, throughout history these lands have harbored a mixed throughout history these lands have harbored a mixed population of Slavs, Finns and other ethnic groups. From the population of Slavs, Finns and other ethnic groups. From the 9th century onwards this area was part of the Principality of 9th century onwards this area was part of the Principality of Novgorod. The ancient city of Novgorod was an important Novgorod. The ancient city of Novgorod was an important center of domestic and international trade and craftsmanship. center of domestic and international trade and craftsmanship. Novgorod merchants traded with Western and Northern Novgorod merchants traded with Western and Northern Europe and later with the towns of the Hanseatic League and Europe and later with the towns of the Hanseatic League and used the Neva River and Lake Ladoga to transport their goods. used the Neva River and Lake Ladoga to transport their goods.

In 1240, whilst most of In 1240, whilst most of Southern and Central Russia Southern and Central Russia was fighting the Mongol was fighting the Mongol invasion, a Swedish invasion invasion, a Swedish invasion landed on the banks of the landed on the banks of the Neva River. The Novgorod Neva River. The Novgorod troops of Prince Alexander troops of Prince Alexander went out to meet the foe and went out to meet the foe and on July 15, 1240 fought the on July 15, 1240 fought the Battle of The Neva. The Battle of The Neva. The Russians successfully launched Russians successfully launched a surprise attack on the a surprise attack on the Swedes and were victorious. Swedes and were victorious. This battle became a symbol of This battle became a symbol of Russia's dramatic fight for Russia's dramatic fight for independence and Prince independence and Prince Alexander was given the name Alexander was given the name Alexander Nevsky. Later, in the Alexander Nevsky. Later, in the 18th century, he also 18th century, he also proclaimed the patron saint of proclaimed the patron saint of St. Petersburg - Peter the St. Petersburg - Peter the Great's great European city Great's great European city built on the banks of the Neva. built on the banks of the Neva.

In the In the 16th century16th century the the power and prosperity of power and prosperity of Novgorod was subdued by Novgorod was subdued by Moscow and the lands along Moscow and the lands along the Neva River became part the Neva River became part of the centralized Russian of the centralized Russian state - Muscovite Russia. state - Muscovite Russia. However, at the beginning of However, at the beginning of the 17th century serious the 17th century serious unrest began to brew in unrest began to brew in Russia, after the last Tsar of Russia, after the last Tsar of the Riurik dynasty - Fiodor the Riurik dynasty - Fiodor Ioanovich (the son of Ivan Ioanovich (the son of Ivan the Terrible), had died the Terrible), had died leaving no heirs to the leaving no heirs to the throne. throne.

The new ruler, Vasily The new ruler, Vasily Shuisky, invited the Swedes Shuisky, invited the Swedes to fight on his side. The to fight on his side. The Swedes realized how weak Swedes realized how weak Russia was, and decided Russia was, and decided instead to occupy a instead to occupy a significant portion of North-significant portion of North-Western Russia. Even after Western Russia. Even after the new Romanov dynasty the new Romanov dynasty was established in 1613, was established in 1613, Russia had to admit some Russia had to admit some territorial losses. A new territorial losses. A new border between Russia and border between Russia and Sweden was established by Sweden was established by the Stolbovo Treatythe Stolbovo Treaty of 1617. of 1617. For the remainder of the For the remainder of the century the Neva River area century the Neva River area became a part of Sweden, became a part of Sweden, and the Swedes effectively and the Swedes effectively cut off Russia from all Baltic cut off Russia from all Baltic trade routes. trade routes.

By the end of the 17th century Peter the Great was determined By the end of the 17th century Peter the Great was determined to change the status quo, regain access to the Baltic Sea and to change the status quo, regain access to the Baltic Sea and establish stronger ties with the West. In the hope of achieving establish stronger ties with the West. In the hope of achieving these goals he embarked on the Northern War with Sweden these goals he embarked on the Northern War with Sweden (1700-1721). In 1703 the Russians gained control over the Neva (1700-1721). In 1703 the Russians gained control over the Neva river and on May 16, 1703 (May 27 - by the modern calendar) river and on May 16, 1703 (May 27 - by the modern calendar) he founded the city of St. Petersburg on the banks of the river. he founded the city of St. Petersburg on the banks of the river.

On May 16 1703 (May, 27 by the modern calendar) St. On May 16 1703 (May, 27 by the modern calendar) St. Petersburg's fortress (the Peter and Paul Fortress) was Petersburg's fortress (the Peter and Paul Fortress) was founded and that day became the official birthday of the city. founded and that day became the official birthday of the city. Several days later a wooden Cabin of Peter the Great was Several days later a wooden Cabin of Peter the Great was built, and became the first residential building in the new city. built, and became the first residential building in the new city.

During the first few years of St. Petersburg's history, During the first few years of St. Petersburg's history, the banks of the Neva saw an amazing transition from the banks of the Neva saw an amazing transition from a swampy, scarcely populated area to a fine European a swampy, scarcely populated area to a fine European capital. capital.

The heart of the city was originally intended to be the area The heart of the city was originally intended to be the area between the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Cabin of Peter between the Peter and Paul Fortress and the Cabin of Peter the Great, which later became known as Trinity Square. the Great, which later became known as Trinity Square. The The focal point of this area was the city's first church - the Trinity focal point of this area was the city's first church - the Trinity Church, and around it houses for the local nobility, a Gostiny Church, and around it houses for the local nobility, a Gostiny Dvor (a market for local and visiting merchants) and several Dvor (a market for local and visiting merchants) and several inns and bars were built. inns and bars were built.

Most of the city's prestigious social events Most of the city's prestigious social events (receptions, balls, etc.) took place either in the (receptions, balls, etc.) took place either in the Summer Gardens or in the residence of the Governor Summer Gardens or in the residence of the Governor General of St. Petersburg - the luxurious Menshikov General of St. Petersburg - the luxurious Menshikov Palace. Palace.

When Peter the Great When Peter the Great died in 1725, his wife died in 1725, his wife Catherine assumed Catherine assumed power and the city power and the city experienced a short experienced a short decline while various decline while various rulers fought over the rulers fought over the throne. For a short throne. For a short period, in the late period, in the late 1720s, the royal court 1720s, the royal court was moved back to was moved back to Moscow. Many of the Moscow. Many of the nobility and merchants, nobility and merchants, forced by Peter the forced by Peter the Great to move to St. Great to move to St. Petersburg, now chose Petersburg, now chose to leave the city. to leave the city.

St. Petersburg was only St. Petersburg was only fully revived when Peter's fully revived when Peter's daughter Elizabeth daughter Elizabeth became Empress in 1741. became Empress in 1741. Elizabethan St. Petersburg Elizabethan St. Petersburg became a lively European became a lively European capital and its population capital and its population reached 150,000 people. reached 150,000 people.

During the reign of Elizabeth, daughter of Peter the Great, St. Petersburg developed into a fine European capital to rival those of any in the West.

The Imperial splendor of St. Petersburg was best reflected in its The Imperial splendor of St. Petersburg was best reflected in its suburban royal residences. Peter the Great's estate Peterhof was suburban royal residences. Peter the Great's estate Peterhof was remodeled by Bartolommeo Rastrelli, the Italian architect of the remodeled by Bartolommeo Rastrelli, the Italian architect of the Winter Palace and Smolny Cathedral. The Grand Palace and Grand Winter Palace and Smolny Cathedral. The Grand Palace and Grand Cascade fountain at Peterhof were luxuriously adorned with gold, Cascade fountain at Peterhof were luxuriously adorned with gold, precious stones and statues and reflected Elizabeth's decadent tastes precious stones and statues and reflected Elizabeth's decadent tastes and her disregard for Imperial funds. and her disregard for Imperial funds.

The The Smolny Smolny

CathedralCathedral

The Yekaterininsky (Catherine's) Palace in Tsarskoye The Yekaterininsky (Catherine's) Palace in Tsarskoye Selo (Pushkin), which originally belonged to Peter the Selo (Pushkin), which originally belonged to Peter the Great's wife Catherine, was turned into a magnificent Great's wife Catherine, was turned into a magnificent royal residence with a vast and elaborate Baroque royal residence with a vast and elaborate Baroque garden.garden.

Elizabeth tried to adopt and adhere to many of her father's Elizabeth tried to adopt and adhere to many of her father's public policies. Unlike some of her predecessors, she preferred public policies. Unlike some of her predecessors, she preferred to appoint Russians and not foreigners to the highest positions to appoint Russians and not foreigners to the highest positions in the country and being a patron of the arts and sciences, she in the country and being a patron of the arts and sciences, she established the Russian Academy of Arts. As well as a established the Russian Academy of Arts. As well as a conscientious leader, Elizabeth was also a very lively and social conscientious leader, Elizabeth was also a very lively and social personality and organized regular balls, receptions, personality and organized regular balls, receptions, masquerades and firework displays in Anichkov Palace. masquerades and firework displays in Anichkov Palace.

Elizabeth's nephew Peter III did not rule the country for Elizabeth's nephew Peter III did not rule the country for long, but shortly after assuming power was overthrown long, but shortly after assuming power was overthrown by his wife, a German princess, who reigned the country by his wife, a German princess, who reigned the country as the famous Catherine the Great. Under her rule St. as the famous Catherine the Great. Under her rule St. Petersburg was turned into a "Grand City". Petersburg was turned into a "Grand City".

Catherine the Great assumed power in 1762 after a coup d' Catherine the Great assumed power in 1762 after a coup d' etat, which she engineered together with the officers of the etat, which she engineered together with the officers of the Royal Guard. Unlike her husband, she was well loved by the Royal Guard. Unlike her husband, she was well loved by the country's elite and received a very good press in Europe country's elite and received a very good press in Europe thanks to her contacts with various figures of the French thanks to her contacts with various figures of the French Enlightenment. Catherine enjoyed an extremely luxurious and Enlightenment. Catherine enjoyed an extremely luxurious and decadent court life and was the first monarch to move into decadent court life and was the first monarch to move into the newly built Winter Palace. the newly built Winter Palace.

Monument to Peter the Great.

Catherine started a royal art collection which later Catherine started a royal art collection which later developed into the world-famous Hermitage which developed into the world-famous Hermitage which required the construction of several additional required the construction of several additional buildings (the Small Hermitage and the Old buildings (the Small Hermitage and the Old Hermitage) along the Neva embankment to house Hermitage) along the Neva embankment to house the growing number of exhibits. Catherine the growing number of exhibits. Catherine commissioned the building of the Hermitage commissioned the building of the Hermitage Theater and ensured the area surrounding the Theater and ensured the area surrounding the palace was adorned with the finest houses and the palace was adorned with the finest houses and the only the most elegant architecture. The only the most elegant architecture. The embankments of the River Neva were reworked in embankments of the River Neva were reworked in elegant red granite and the Summer Gardens were elegant red granite and the Summer Gardens were adorned with an intricate wrought iron fence, adorned with an intricate wrought iron fence, designed by the craftsman Yuri Felten and created designed by the craftsman Yuri Felten and created between 1773 and 1786. between 1773 and 1786.

When Catherine the When Catherine the Great died in 1796 a Great died in 1796 a whole new period in whole new period in Russian history Russian history started. Catherine's started. Catherine's son Paul I introduced son Paul I introduced some ultra-some ultra-conservative policies, conservative policies, curtailed the power of curtailed the power of the St. Petersburg the St. Petersburg local administration local administration and made several and made several major steps towards major steps towards turning Russia into a turning Russia into a bureaucratic state. bureaucratic state. The worst fear in The worst fear in Paul's life was the fear Paul's life was the fear of being assassinated. of being assassinated.

In an attempt to protect himself from the threat of In an attempt to protect himself from the threat of assassination, he built a fortified palace for himself - the assassination, he built a fortified palace for himself - the Mikhailovsky Castle. However, his paranoia was little help in Mikhailovsky Castle. However, his paranoia was little help in the end and Paul was assassinated on March 12 1801 in his the end and Paul was assassinated on March 12 1801 in his private bedroom in the newly built castle members of the Royal private bedroom in the newly built castle members of the Royal Guard. Ironically, the coup was primarily engineered by his son Guard. Ironically, the coup was primarily engineered by his son Alexander, who had sworn to continue the policies of his Alexander, who had sworn to continue the policies of his grandmother - Catherine the Great.grandmother - Catherine the Great.

On his assumption of power, On his assumption of power, Alexander I introduced a Alexander I introduced a series of political reforms, series of political reforms, which entirely restructured which entirely restructured the government and included the government and included the creation in 1802 of a the creation in 1802 of a system of system of ministriesministries with with ministers reporting directly to ministers reporting directly to the monarch and the the monarch and the founding in 1810 of a State founding in 1810 of a State Council. For better or for Council. For better or for worse, bureaucracy began to worse, bureaucracy began to flourish in Russia. St. flourish in Russia. St. Petersburg rapidly became an Petersburg rapidly became an ordered and bureaucratic ordered and bureaucratic city, something that was only city, something that was only echoed in the orderly layout echoed in the orderly layout of its street plan and the of its street plan and the heavy policing of its avenues. heavy policing of its avenues.

During the reign of Alexander I the Russian army successfully During the reign of Alexander I the Russian army successfully stopped Napoleon's invasion of Russia and drove the French stopped Napoleon's invasion of Russia and drove the French army back to Paris (1812-14). The captured French banners army back to Paris (1812-14). The captured French banners were put in the newly built Kazan Cathedral, where the Russian were put in the newly built Kazan Cathedral, where the Russian army commander, Field-Marshal Kutuzov, was buried in 1813. army commander, Field-Marshal Kutuzov, was buried in 1813.

In the Russian Imperial In the Russian Imperial capital it was deemed capital it was deemed necessary that everything necessary that everything look orderly and look orderly and measured. It was the measured. It was the heyday of architectural heyday of architectural ensembles and ensembles and perfectionist "classical" perfectionist "classical" designs. The Admiralty, designs. The Admiralty, the naval headquarters of the naval headquarters of Russia, was remodeled Russia, was remodeled between 1806 and 1823. between 1806 and 1823.

The Stock Exchange and Rostral column ensemble was built at The Stock Exchange and Rostral column ensemble was built at the Southern edge (the Southern edge (StrelkaStrelka) of Vasilievsky Island, Arts Square ) of Vasilievsky Island, Arts Square and the Mikhailovsky Palace (1819-25) were designed and built and the Mikhailovsky Palace (1819-25) were designed and built by the Italian architect Carlo Rossi and in 1818 construction by the Italian architect Carlo Rossi and in 1818 construction work began on the magnificent St. Isaac's Cathedral. work began on the magnificent St. Isaac's Cathedral.

When Alexander I suddenly When Alexander I suddenly died in the town of died in the town of Taganrog (some say, he ran Taganrog (some say, he ran away to Siberia to escape away to Siberia to escape the heavy burden of power) the heavy burden of power) in December 1825, a in December 1825, a political crisis erupted. A political crisis erupted. A group of liberal young army group of liberal young army officers (later called the officers (later called the "Decembrists") started a "Decembrists") started a revolt, hoping that Nicholas revolt, hoping that Nicholas I, Alexander's younger I, Alexander's younger brother, would have to sign brother, would have to sign and endorse a National and endorse a National Constitution. They brought Constitution. They brought their soldiers to Senate their soldiers to Senate square by the Bronze square by the Bronze Horseman, but remained Horseman, but remained inactive. The uprising was inactive. The uprising was cruelly crushed, the five cruelly crushed, the five organizers executed and the organizers executed and the rest exiled to Siberia. rest exiled to Siberia.

In response to the Decembrist Uprising the new Emperor, In response to the Decembrist Uprising the new Emperor, Nicholas I, chose to adopt a much more conservative series of Nicholas I, chose to adopt a much more conservative series of policies and Russia once again degenerated into an policies and Russia once again degenerated into an economically backward bureaucratic state. In the Imperial economically backward bureaucratic state. In the Imperial capital, St. Petersburg, the desire for military-like orderliness capital, St. Petersburg, the desire for military-like orderliness reached ridiculous heights and military order was established reached ridiculous heights and military order was established throughout the city in all manner of institutions. throughout the city in all manner of institutions.

The city of St. Petersburg gradually became more and The city of St. Petersburg gradually became more and more majestic. The Palace Square ensemble was more majestic. The Palace Square ensemble was completed with the construction of the General Staff completed with the construction of the General Staff building in 1829, the Alexander Column in 1834 and building in 1829, the Alexander Column in 1834 and the Royal Guards Staff building in 1843. the Royal Guards Staff building in 1843.

Between 1839 and 1844 the Mariinsky Palace (today Between 1839 and 1844 the Mariinsky Palace (today home to City Hall) was built for Nicholas' beloved home to City Hall) was built for Nicholas' beloved daughter Maria and St. Isaac's Cathedral, the main daughter Maria and St. Isaac's Cathedral, the main church of the Russian Empire, was finally completed church of the Russian Empire, was finally completed in 1858, after the death of Nicholas I and after his son in 1858, after the death of Nicholas I and after his son Alexander II had acceded to the throne. Alexander II had acceded to the throne.

When Alexander II was When Alexander II was crowned Russian crowned Russian Emperor, the country was Emperor, the country was still reeling with a still reeling with a humiliating defeat at the humiliating defeat at the hands of the Anglo-hands of the Anglo-Franco-Turkish coalition Franco-Turkish coalition in the Crimean War. in the Crimean War. Something had to be done Something had to be done to boost the national to boost the national economy and ensure economy and ensure political stability. With political stability. With this in mind, the Emperor this in mind, the Emperor undertook a series of undertook a series of reforms, which included reforms, which included the emancipation of the the emancipation of the serfs 1861, although the serfs 1861, although the peasants were still forced peasants were still forced to pay for the land they to pay for the land they worked. worked.

Despite the scale of these Despite the scale of these reforms some reforms some revolutionaries still revolutionaries still considered Alexander to be considered Alexander to be too conservative in outlook. too conservative in outlook. After a series of After a series of assassination attempts, on assassination attempts, on March 1 1881 Alexander II March 1 1881 Alexander II was fatally wounded and was fatally wounded and died the same day and the died the same day and the magnificent Church of Our magnificent Church of Our Savior on Spilled Blood Savior on Spilled Blood (1883-1907) was built in his (1883-1907) was built in his memory on the exact spot memory on the exact spot of his assassination. Many of his assassination. Many of his reforms, including a of his reforms, including a constitution that was ready constitution that was ready to be signed, were repealed to be signed, were repealed or curtailed by his enraged or curtailed by his enraged son Alexander III and a son Alexander III and a period of repression and period of repression and conservatism followed. conservatism followed.

Many of his reforms, Many of his reforms, including a constitution including a constitution that was ready to be that was ready to be signed, were repealed signed, were repealed or curtailed by his or curtailed by his enraged son Alexander enraged son Alexander III and a period of III and a period of repression and repression and conservatism followed.conservatism followed.

Meanwhile, St. Petersburg was becoming a capitalist city. The Meanwhile, St. Petersburg was becoming a capitalist city. The number of factories (both Russian and foreign) grew rapidly number of factories (both Russian and foreign) grew rapidly and Nevsky Prospekt and the city's other major streets began to and Nevsky Prospekt and the city's other major streets began to fill with banks and company offices. By the 1890s construction fill with banks and company offices. By the 1890s construction was booming and new multi-storey apartment buildings were was booming and new multi-storey apartment buildings were springing up all over the city. springing up all over the city.

During this period the famous Mariinsky theater During this period the famous Mariinsky theater (formerly the Kirov Theater) was built along with a (formerly the Kirov Theater) was built along with a number of palaces for the country's Grand Dukes, number of palaces for the country's Grand Dukes, LiteinyLiteiny bridge was constructed (where the first street bridge was constructed (where the first street lights in the city were installed ) and monuments to lights in the city were installed ) and monuments to Catherine the Great, Nicholas I and the poet Catherine the Great, Nicholas I and the poet Alexander Pushkin were erected. Alexander Pushkin were erected.

When WWI broke out in When WWI broke out in August 1914 it was decided to August 1914 it was decided to change the name of the change the name of the Russian capital from the Russian capital from the Germanic St. Petersburg to Germanic St. Petersburg to the more Russian equivalent, the more Russian equivalent, Petrograd. Germany was now Petrograd. Germany was now Russia's enemy and all of the Russia's enemy and all of the forces within the country's forces within the country's power had to be employed to power had to be employed to defeat her. Most of the city's defeat her. Most of the city's industry began to work to industry began to work to support the war effort and support the war effort and many of Petrograd's many of Petrograd's buildings, including a large buildings, including a large portion of the Winter Palace, portion of the Winter Palace, were turned into hospitals. were turned into hospitals. Most construction work in Most construction work in the city stopped. the city stopped.

The political and economic The political and economic crisis continued throughout crisis continued throughout 1917 and in the fall the 1917 and in the fall the Bolshevik party, led by Bolshevik party, led by Vladimir Lenin, grasped Vladimir Lenin, grasped political power. On October political power. On October 25 (November 7) 1917 blank 25 (November 7) 1917 blank shot fired by the cruiser shot fired by the cruiser "Aurora" gave the signal to "Aurora" gave the signal to the waiting workers and the waiting workers and soldiers to storm the soldiers to storm the Winter Palace, the current Winter Palace, the current residence of the residence of the democratic, but largely democratic, but largely inefficient Provisional inefficient Provisional Government. Most of the Government. Most of the ministers were arrested and ministers were arrested and thus began 73 long years of thus began 73 long years of Communist rule. Communist rule.

At the beginning of 1918 Civil War (1918-1921) At the beginning of 1918 Civil War (1918-1921) broke out and the revolutionary soldiers and broke out and the revolutionary soldiers and workers of Petrograd became the core of the Red workers of Petrograd became the core of the Red Guard, which later turned into the Red Army. While Guard, which later turned into the Red Army. While the men were leaving the city for the fronts of the the men were leaving the city for the fronts of the Civil War, a significant portion of the population Civil War, a significant portion of the population migrated to the countryside, where families migrated to the countryside, where families inevitably found it easier to provide to feed inevitably found it easier to provide to feed themselves. The population dropped from 2.3 themselves. The population dropped from 2.3 million in 1917 to 722 thousand by the end of 1920. million in 1917 to 722 thousand by the end of 1920.

By the beginning of 1918 German troops were so By the beginning of 1918 German troops were so close to Petrograd that the Bolshevik government close to Petrograd that the Bolshevik government under Vladimir Lenin decided to move the capital to under Vladimir Lenin decided to move the capital to Moscow, which was still a long way from the Moscow, which was still a long way from the German front. Petrograd was abandoned by the German front. Petrograd was abandoned by the government and many of the city's street names government and many of the city's street names were altered according to the revolutionary fashion were altered according to the revolutionary fashion of the dayof the day

Shortly after the Shortly after the Bolshevik leader Bolshevik leader Vladimir Lenin died, the Vladimir Lenin died, the city was renamed city was renamed Leningrad (supposedly Leningrad (supposedly by public demand). by public demand). During the years of the During the years of the Revolution the Revolution the population of the city population of the city had dropped had dropped dramatically and the city dramatically and the city was slow to recover from was slow to recover from the rigors and tragedies the rigors and tragedies of the war. of the war.

This was undoubtedly the most tragic period in This was undoubtedly the most tragic period in the history of the city, a period full of suffering the history of the city, a period full of suffering and heroism. Less than two and a half months and heroism. Less than two and a half months after the Soviet Union was attacked by Nazi after the Soviet Union was attacked by Nazi Germany, German troops were already Germany, German troops were already approaching Leningrad. The Red Army was approaching Leningrad. The Red Army was outflanked and on September 8 1941 the outflanked and on September 8 1941 the Germans had fully encircled Leningrad and the Germans had fully encircled Leningrad and the siege began. The siege lasted for a total of 900 siege began. The siege lasted for a total of 900 days, from September 8 1941 until January 27 days, from September 8 1941 until January 27 1944. The city's almost 3 million civilians 1944. The city's almost 3 million civilians (including about 400,000 children) refused to (including about 400,000 children) refused to surrender and endured rapidly increasing surrender and endured rapidly increasing hardships in the encircled city. hardships in the encircled city.

Food and fuel stocks were limited to a mere 1-2 Food and fuel stocks were limited to a mere 1-2 month supply, public transport was not operational month supply, public transport was not operational and by the winter of 1941-42 there was no heating, and by the winter of 1941-42 there was no heating, no water supply, almost no electricity and very little no water supply, almost no electricity and very little food. In January 1942 in the depths of an unusually food. In January 1942 in the depths of an unusually cold winter, the city's food rations reached an all cold winter, the city's food rations reached an all time low of only 125 grams (time low of only 125 grams (about 1/4 of a poundabout 1/4 of a pound) ) of bread per person per day. In just two months, of bread per person per day. In just two months, January and February of 1942, 200,000 people died January and February of 1942, 200,000 people died in Leningrad of cold and starvation. Despite these in Leningrad of cold and starvation. Despite these tragic losses and the inhuman conditions the city's tragic losses and the inhuman conditions the city's war industries still continued to work and the city war industries still continued to work and the city did not surrender.did not surrender.

In January 1943 the Siege was broken and a year later, on January 27 1944 it was fully lifted. At least 641,000 people had died in Leningrad during the Siege (some estimates put this figure closer to 800,000). Most of them were buried in mass graves in different cemeteries, with the majority in the Piskariovskoye Memorial Cemetery, resting place to over 500,000 people and a timeless reminder of the heroic deeds of the city.

NowadaysNowadays St. Petersburg is still in a transition St. Petersburg is still in a transition period, both economically and socially. While the period, both economically and socially. While the city's industries are still in recession, services and city's industries are still in recession, services and retail sales are gradually improving and more and retail sales are gradually improving and more and more foreign businesses are being attracted to the more foreign businesses are being attracted to the city's new business climate. Although, still far city's new business climate. Although, still far behind Moscow in economic terms, St. Petersburg behind Moscow in economic terms, St. Petersburg had become a modern, rapidly growing commercial had become a modern, rapidly growing commercial city. On the social side, St. Petersburg's younger city. On the social side, St. Petersburg's younger generations are coping admirably with the generations are coping admirably with the economic changes, but unemployment remains high economic changes, but unemployment remains high and families and pensioners struggle desperately to and families and pensioners struggle desperately to make ends meet. make ends meet.