Conclusion

By examining these institutions of higher learning in Moscow through the lens of the political landscapes during the times at which they were established, one can see the deep impact that the government had on the formation and structure of the school, shaping the course that the institution will take in terms of its goals and mission and purpose. Perhaps, due to the population density of Moscow, most of the institutions of higher learning are huge universities with tens of thousands of students. Moreover, the effects of these institutions are quite tremendous, ranging from the influential alumni that they produce to the ideas they help create and propagate through Moscow and beyond. While many people think of educational institutions of higher learning as independent entities immune to outside influences, with some perceiving them as ivory towers impermeable to political pressures, the Russian institutions are uniquely shaped and dictated by the various demands and goals of the different regimes. Together, these five major institutions of higher learning represent a diverse range of histories, architectures, and philosophies and demonstrate the enormous impact that the government had on the creation and development of these institutions.