Why did the Soviet Union annex Central Asia?

The Soviet Union annexed Central Asia for a variety of reasons, including:

• Geopolitical strategic importance: Central Asia was seen as a strategically important region due to its location between Europe and Asia, and its proximity to important natural resources, including oil and gas reserves.
• Political ideology: The Soviet Union was a communist state, and the ideology of communism called for the spread of communist ideals and the establishment of socialist states around the world.
• Control over territory: The Soviet Union sought to expand its territory and exert control over neighboring regions, including Central Asia.

Following the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Bolsheviks, led by Vladimir Lenin, established the Soviet Union, which included the Central Asian territories of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, and Tajikistan. The Soviet Union established a strong presence in the region, building infrastructure, modernizing the economy, and promoting education and literacy.

Despite these efforts, the annexation of Central Asia by the Soviet Union was not without its controversies and challenges. Today, the legacy of Soviet rule in Central Asia continues to shape the region's politics, culture, and economy.