The book briefly, in a generalized form, outlines the main stages of the development of Russian society from its origins to the end of the 20th century. In the context of the world historical process, both general patterns and features of the historical path and character of Russian civilization are shown. Unlike many publications on the history of Russia in recent years, it uses systemic analysis and Marxist methodology, objectively gives the history of the Soviet period, taking into account the current level of social knowledge. The book is intended for students, teachers of higher and secondary educational institutions and everyone who is engaged in the education of young people and is interested in the history of the Fatherland. It can be used as a textbook in the basic discipline "Domestic History."