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On request by Moscow's government
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Fund "Education in third millenium" Presents TV series "Moscow for all times"
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History of Moscow subway
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Metropolitan, translated from French, means urban.
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Indeed this method of transportation distinctive of capitals or cities with population of million or more.
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Despite having different names in other places.
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In England "Underground", In the U.S. "Subway"
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Both names mean one thing; underground rapid transit.
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First subway line, little longer that 3.5 kilometers
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set in the shallow tunnels using steam appeared in London in 1863
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Probably since then the discussion of Moscow subway began
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Due to many factors, opposition to the construction of subway was stronger
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First design appeared in 1901 provided circular overpass along Kamer-Kollezhsky Val
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In a year, a most famous plan was presented,
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due to preserved sketches, by engineer Balinsky
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He proposed to join subway lines, Zamoskvorechye and Tverskaya Zastava
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Trains were to use elevated structure along Kremlin wall.
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To which antiquity lovers objected
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Tram operators weren't enthusiastic about the plan either, because they feared loss of the revenue
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The design was reviewed in Moscow city hall
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Where it was decided that organization of off-street was ahead of time
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and Mr. Balinsky plan was rejected
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That decision was stirred by fears of Moscow clergy
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As a part of the plan, a piece of the line was set under Tverskaya street
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It was thought that descending underground, to hell, was against Orthodox beliefs
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Following designs seemed closer to practical realization
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In 1911, city board and then city hall reviewed more realistic
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proposal to build tram tunnel under Lubyanka passage, Ilyinka, and Red square
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Which later was set to become a part of future subway network.
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Plan of engineer Knorre proposed in 1912
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Suggested construction in two phases, first radial and next circular that would follow Garden Ring.
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Due to city's fiscal inability and beginning of The Great War
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none of the plans were realized
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But the experience wasn't lost
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Those documents were helpful in the first stages of subway construction
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for subway builders (Metrostroy)
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By the early 1930's, population in Moscow increased threefold compared to pre-revolutionary period.
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Nor tram, neither new bus and trolley lines, could satisfy increased demand.
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In first years of Soviet rule, subway was treated with precaution
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Thinking of it as another way of Capitalistic exploitation of labor
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meant to deliver workers fast to factories and plants.
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But realities of fast-growing city forced the change of said ideology
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To be more exact, replacement with new one
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Subway of "Country of Working People" was set to become the best in the world
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to demonstrate advantages of Socialism
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By the time construction of subway was adopted in July 15 1931
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Rapid transit networks existed in 15 cities around the world
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which allowed the use of foreign experience and avoid their mistakes.
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Lack of private property allowed for straight subway lines
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instead of curvy to avoid private land like in other countries.
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Sharp turns decreased operating speeds and weren't comfortable for passengers
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Chasing immediate profits, savings of initial investment and lack of agreement among contractors
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building different lines,
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led to networks uncomfortable to passengers, and created difficulties in future expansion.
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In Moscow though, 2 years after plan of construction was ratified
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in March 1933, layout of subway, more than 80km in overall length was approved
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contained 10 radial lines. First line, Sokolniki - Palace of Culture, was chosen for a reason.
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It connected the center of capital to the Palace of Soviets
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Construction of which began in place of destroyed Cathedral of Christ the Saviour
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It also delivered passengers to 3 Station Square and places of rest for workers
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Primary task of those years was relief of central streets
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First subway was put in service on May 15, 1935.
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In 1937, with with aid of new subway line, Kievsky station was connected to the center.
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A year later Kurskaya was added.
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In '38 a segment Sverdlov Square - Sokol was put in service
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Where by that time construction of single floor housing project was complete.
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Almost every year since, new stations were put into service.
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This tradition became crucial for years to come.
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It would be wrong not to mention atmosphere of enthusiasm and emotional upheaval
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which were caused by the construction of Moscow subway.
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High-powered construction collected experts from all over the country,
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and special committe