key term - Uskorenie

Definition

Uskorenie, meaning 'acceleration' in Russian, was a policy introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev aimed at rapidly modernizing the Soviet economy and improving its efficiency. This approach sought to invigorate the stagnant Soviet economy through technological advancements, increased productivity, and reforms in management practices, reflecting Gorbachev's commitment to reform while addressing the growing issues within the USSR.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Uskorenie was introduced in the early 1980s as part of Gorbachev's broader reform agenda to revitalize the economy, which was suffering from inefficiency and stagnation.
2. The policy aimed to enhance technological innovation by encouraging partnerships between state enterprises and foreign businesses, hoping to boost productivity levels.
3. Gorbachev believed that economic growth through uskoreniye was essential for achieving the political goals of Perestroika and sustaining socialism in the Soviet Union.
4. Despite its ambitious goals, uskoreniye faced significant challenges, including bureaucratic resistance from the Nomenklatura and a lack of necessary resources for effective implementation.
5. The implementation of uskoreniye ultimately fell short of expectations, contributing to economic difficulties and dissatisfaction that fueled further unrest leading up to the dissolution of the Soviet Union.

Review Questions

• How did uskoreniye reflect Gorbachev's approach to economic reform in the Soviet Union?
  • Uskorenie represented Gorbachev's commitment to addressing the economic stagnation of the Soviet Union through rapid modernization efforts. By prioritizing technological advancements and productivity increases, Gorbachev aimed to create a more dynamic economy that could support his broader political goals of Perestroika. However, this approach also highlighted his struggle against entrenched bureaucratic practices that resisted change, showcasing the tensions between reform ambitions and existing structures within Soviet society.
• Evaluate the impact of uskoreniye on the relationship between the Soviet government and its citizens during Gorbachev's tenure.
  • Uskorenie had a significant impact on the relationship between the Soviet government and its citizens by exposing the shortcomings of central planning and governance. As Gorbachev pushed for modernization while facing bureaucratic resistance, citizens became increasingly aware of their government's inability to deliver tangible improvements in living standards. This growing disillusionment contributed to public unrest and calls for greater transparency and accountability, aligning with Gorbachev's other policies like Glasnost, which encouraged open dialogue about governance failures.
• Analyze how uskoreniye influenced subsequent political developments in Eastern Europe and the USSR as it approached its dissolution.
  • Uskorenie played a critical role in shaping political developments as it highlighted systemic weaknesses within the Soviet economy that could not be resolved through mere acceleration. The failure of this policy led to rising discontent among citizens, as economic hardships continued despite Gorbachev’s promises. This discontent fueled nationalist movements in Eastern Europe, as countries began to demand independence from Soviet control. Consequently, uskoreniye not only reflected internal challenges but also contributed to a broader wave of political change that eventually culminated in the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.

Related terms

Perestroika: A series of political and economic reforms initiated by Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy and promoting more market-oriented policies.

Glasnost: A policy of openness and transparency in government institutions and activities, introduced by Gorbachev, which encouraged public discussion and criticism.

Nomenklatura: The privileged class of people in the Soviet Union who held key administrative positions in the Communist Party and state apparatus, often resistant to reform efforts.