Mikhail Gorbachev

Definition

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the first President of the Soviet Union, serving from 1985 until 1991. He is known for implementing significant reforms, including glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which played a crucial role in the eventual fall of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika were intended to revitalize the Soviet economy and open up political discourse but ultimately led to increased demands for independence among various Soviet republics.
2. His attempts to reduce nuclear tensions with the West led to significant arms reduction agreements, such as the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty in 1987.
3. Gorbachev faced resistance from hardline communists within his own party who opposed his reforms, leading to a coup attempt in August 1991 that ultimately failed.
4. The dissolution of the Soviet Union occurred shortly after Gorbachev resigned in December 1991, marking an end to over 70 years of communist rule in Russia.
5. Gorbachev's legacy is complex; while he is praised for his role in ending the Cold War, he is also criticized for the economic turmoil and political instability that followed his reforms.

Review Questions

• How did Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika contribute to the fall of the Soviet Union?
  • Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika aimed to reform the Soviet system but inadvertently destabilized it. Glasnost encouraged public discussion and criticism of government practices, leading to widespread discontent with the ruling communist party. Meanwhile, perestroika attempted to shift towards a more market-based economy but resulted in shortages and economic chaos. This combination fueled nationalist movements within various Soviet republics, ultimately contributing to the collapse of the union.
• Discuss how Gorbachev's relationship with Western leaders influenced his reforms and international policies.
  • Gorbachev's relationship with Western leaders was pivotal for his reforms and international stance. He sought constructive dialogue with figures like U.S. Presidents Ronald Reagan and George H.W. Bush, which helped ease Cold War tensions. Their cooperation led to significant arms control agreements and fostered a more open environment for dialogue between East and West. This shift not only facilitated Gorbachev's domestic reforms but also played a key role in reshaping global politics at the time.
• Evaluate Gorbachev's impact on post-Soviet Russia and how his legacy continues to shape contemporary discussions about reform in former communist states.
  • Gorbachev's impact on post-Soviet Russia remains a topic of debate as he is both lauded for initiating necessary reforms and criticized for causing economic hardship during the transition to capitalism. His attempts at openness have influenced subsequent leaders who grapple with issues of governance and civil liberties in former communist states. Today, discussions about reform often reference Gorbachev's challenges with balancing political change against economic stability, reflecting ongoing struggles in transitioning economies across Eastern Europe and Central Asia.

Related terms

Glasnost: A policy introduced by Gorbachev aimed at increasing transparency and openness in government institutions and activities, allowing for greater freedom of expression and a reduction in censorship.

Perestroika: Gorbachev's reform program focused on restructuring the Soviet economy and political system, encouraging market-oriented policies and decentralization.

Cold War: The prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and Western powers, particularly the United States, marked by ideological conflict, military rivalry, and various proxy wars.