Sovietai

Sovietai, also known as Soviets, were political and administrative bodies established in the Russian Empire and later in the Soviet Union. The term "soviet" is derived from the Russian word "совет," which means "council" or "assembly." Soviets were created to represent the interests of the working class and peasants, and they played a crucial role in the Russian Revolution of 1917.

The first Soviets were established in 1905 during the Russian Revolution of 1905-1907. These early Soviets were local councils of workers and soldiers that demanded political reforms and an end to autocratic rule. After the February Revolution in 1917, Soviets became the primary institutions of power in Russia, with the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, gaining control of the Petrograd Soviet in October 1917.

Under the Bolsheviks, Soviets were reorganized into a system of workers' and peasants' councils, which became the basis for the Soviet Union. These councils were responsible for local administration, economic planning, and political decision-making. The Soviets were structured hierarchically, with local Soviets reporting to regional and national bodies.

The Soviet system was characterized by its democratic principles, including universal suffrage, free elections, and the right to strike. However, the Bolsheviks gradually consolidated power, leading to the establishment of a one-party state in 1922. Despite this, the term "Soviet" continued to be used to refer to the political and administrative bodies of the Soviet Union until its dissolution in 1991.