key term - President Gorbachev

Definition

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the first and only President of the Soviet Union, serving from 1985 until its dissolution in 1991. His policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) significantly changed the political landscape of the USSR and contributed to the end of the Cold War by reducing tensions between the superpowers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gorbachev's policies led to a significant reduction in nuclear arsenals, exemplified by treaties such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) signed in 1987.
2. His approach to foreign policy emphasized diplomacy over confrontation, fostering better relations with Western nations, especially the United States.
3. The introduction of glasnost allowed for greater freedom of press and speech, leading to a surge in public discourse and criticism of government policies.
4. Gorbachev faced strong resistance from hardliners within the Communist Party, which ultimately led to a coup attempt in 1991 that accelerated his political decline.
5. The dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991 marked a definitive end to Gorbachev's influence and the Cold War, resulting in the emergence of independent republics.

Review Questions

• How did Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika contribute to changes in Soviet society and its relations with other countries?
  • Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika transformed Soviet society by promoting transparency and restructuring the economy. Glasnost allowed for greater public debate and criticism of government actions, fostering a more open atmosphere that encouraged reform. Perestroika aimed at economic revitalization through market-oriented changes, which helped improve relations with Western countries as they recognized a shift towards modernization and reform in the USSR.
• Discuss how Gorbachev's leadership influenced nuclear disarmament during the late Cold War period.
  • Gorbachev's leadership was pivotal in advancing nuclear disarmament efforts during the late Cold War. His willingness to engage in arms control negotiations led to significant agreements like the INF Treaty, which eliminated an entire class of nuclear weapons. This diplomatic approach reduced tensions between superpowers and set a precedent for future disarmament talks, marking a critical turning point towards ending decades of hostility.
• Evaluate Gorbachev's legacy and its impact on both Russia and global politics after the collapse of the Soviet Union.
  • Gorbachev's legacy is complex; while he is credited with facilitating the end of the Cold War and promoting democratic ideals, his reforms also led to economic turmoil and political instability within Russia. The rapid transition from communism to a market economy resulted in hardships for many citizens, which contributed to dissatisfaction with subsequent leaders. On a global scale, his actions fostered an environment for increased cooperation among former adversaries, but they also left unresolved issues that would influence international relations in the post-Soviet era.

Related terms

Glasnost:

A policy initiated by Gorbachev that promoted transparency in government and greater freedom of expression in the Soviet Union.

Perestroika:

Economic restructuring introduced by Gorbachev to revitalize the Soviet economy through limited market reforms and decentralization.

Cold War:

The prolonged state of political and military tension between the United States and the Soviet Union from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.