Aim Discuss Mikhail Gorbachev and his Reforms Gorbachev
Aim: Discuss Mikhail Gorbachev and his Reforms
Gorbachev Moves Toward Democracy Soviet premier Brezhnev & the Politburo (ruling committee of Communist Party) crushed all political disagreement n 1982: After Brezhnev’s death, the Politburo debated between 2 men to lead n Mikhail Gorbachev became the party’s new general secretary n Unlike other Soviet leaders, Gorbachev decided to pursue new ideas n
Glasnost Promotes Openness Past Soviet leaders had created a totalitarian state n Gorbachev realized that economic & social reforms could not occur without a free flow of ideas & information n 1985: Announced a policy known as glasnost (openness) n Brought remarkable changes n Government allowed churches to open n Released dissidents from prison n Allowed publication of books by banned authors n Reporters investigated problems & criticized officials n
Reforming the Economy & Politics Gorbachev blamed economic problems on inefficient system of central planning n Party officials told farm & factory mangers how much to produce, what wages to pay, & what prices to charge n 1985: Gorbachev introduced idea of perestroika (economic restructuring) n Managers gained greater authority over farms & factories n People were allowed to open small private businesses n Goal was to make economic system more efficient & productive n Gorbachev knew that Communist party needed to loosen grip on Soviet Society n n 1987: Gorbachev unveiled Democratization
Foreign Policy Soviet foreign policy also changed n Gorbachev realized that the Soviet economy could not afford the costly arms race n December 1987: Gorbachev & US President Ronald Reagan signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF) n n Treaty banned nuclear missiles
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