The Soviet Union was a large country that existed from 1922 to 1991, made up of multiple republics, with Russia being the largest. It was a socialist state, meaning the government controlled many aspects of life, including the economy and industries. The Communist Party was the ruling political party, and its leaders, like Joseph Stalin, played significant roles in shaping the country's policies and direction. During its existence, the Soviet Union was known for its space achievements, including launching the first human, Yuri Gagarin, into space in 1961. The country was also involved in the Cold War, a period of tension with the United States and its allies, which influenced global politics for decades.