Soviet era is the period of histories of former Soviet republics comprising the years 1917 – 1991. Officially, the power belonged to the soviets ("councils"), hence the name Soviet era.

De-facto, with the exception of the brief initial period, the power was held in full by the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (known under several names throughout the history).

Note that the Soviet Union was created in 1922, five years after the Soviet era began.

Historical eras