Soviet rule refers to the period when the Soviet Union, a socialist state, governed much of Eastern Europe and parts of Central Asia from 1922 until its dissolution in 1991. This era was characterized by a one-party system led by the Communist Party, which aimed to create a classless society through state control of the economy and suppression of political dissent. Under Soviet rule, significant changes occurred in various sectors, including industry, agriculture, and education. The government implemented policies like collectivization and industrialization to boost economic growth, often at the cost of individual freedoms and human rights. The legacy of this period continues to influence the region today.