🌍ap world history: modern review

key term - Glasnost

Definition

Glasnost, meaning 'openness' in Russian, was a policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at increasing transparency and freedom of expression within the Soviet Union. This policy encouraged public debate and allowed citizens to express their opinions about the government, leading to greater access to information and a reduction in censorship. Glasnost was crucial in reshaping Soviet society and contributed significantly to the events that led to the end of the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

  1. Glasnost was officially announced in 1986 and marked a significant shift in Soviet policy towards more open discussion and criticism of government policies.
  2. The policy allowed for previously censored topics, such as historical events like the Stalinist purges, to be openly discussed in public forums and media.
  3. Glasnost played a vital role in empowering civil society and led to the rise of political movements advocating for greater democracy and independence within various Soviet republics.
  4. The increased openness brought about by glasnost also contributed to economic challenges, as citizens began to express dissatisfaction with shortages and corruption within the system.
  5. The ultimate effects of glasnost contributed significantly to the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, as demands for reform escalated throughout its republics.

Review Questions

  • How did glasnost influence public opinion and civic engagement in the Soviet Union during the late 1980s?
    • Glasnost had a profound impact on public opinion by fostering an environment where citizens felt empowered to express their views openly. The policy led to a rise in civic engagement as people began participating more actively in discussions about governance, social issues, and national identity. This newfound openness challenged long-standing norms of censorship and repression, ultimately encouraging a wave of political activism that sought greater democratic reforms.
  • Evaluate the relationship between glasnost and perestroika in Gorbachev's reform agenda.
    • Glasnost and perestroika were two interrelated components of Gorbachev's reform agenda aimed at revitalizing the Soviet Union. While glasnost focused on increasing transparency and allowing for open discussion, perestroika aimed at restructuring the economy to introduce market-oriented reforms. Together, these policies aimed to address systemic issues within the USSR; however, they also created tensions as public criticism highlighted economic failures, leading to widespread calls for more significant political changes.
  • Assess how glasnost contributed to the end of the Cold War and reshaped international relations in the late 20th century.
    • Glasnost played a critical role in ending the Cold War by fostering an environment that allowed for dialogue between East and West. The policy reduced tensions as it encouraged transparency regarding nuclear arms and military engagements, paving the way for arms reduction treaties like START I. Additionally, as Eastern European nations witnessed the changes happening in the USSR, they felt emboldened to challenge their own regimes, leading to a wave of revolutions that ultimately contributed to the collapse of communist governments across Eastern Europe. This shift not only transformed regional dynamics but also marked a significant realignment of international relations moving into the 1990s.