1984-1985 Leader of the Soviet Union.
A sickly old party apparachik, whose reign lasted less than a year. He enclosed the Era of Gerontocracy. During his reign, the American-Soviet relations had come to the coldest phase.
Background
Lived: 1911-1985.
Konstantin Chernenko was Brezhnev’s right hand man for many years, silently accompanying him in all state visits. For most people he was the obvious successor to Brezhnev. However, he was pushed aside by his rival, Yuri Andropov. But Chernenko did not have to wait long to succeed him.
Reign
By the time of Chernenko’s rule, even the most hard line conservatives understood the need for reform. He did not make any efforts whatsoever. Chernenko’s allies were Prime Minister Nikolay Tikhonov and Defence Minister Dmitry Ustinov.
Death
There were concerns about his health already when he became the first secretary at the age of 72. Nobody was really surprised when Chernenko soon disappeared from the public. He died in March 1985.
Konstantin Chernenko
1984-1985 Leader of the Soviet Union.
A sickly old party apparachik, whose reign lasted less than a year. He enclosed the Era of Gerontocracy. During his reign, the American-Soviet relations had come to the coldest phase.
Background
Lived: 1911-1985.
Konstantin Chernenko was Brezhnev’s right hand man for many years, silently accompanying him in all state visits. For most people he was the obvious successor to Brezhnev. However, he was pushed aside by his rival, Yuri Andropov. But Chernenko did not have to wait long to succeed him.
Reign
By the time of Chernenko’s rule, even the most hard line conservatives understood the need for reform. He did not make any efforts whatsoever. Chernenko’s allies were Prime Minister Nikolay Tikhonov and Defence Minister Dmitry Ustinov.
Death
There were concerns about his health already when he became the first secretary at the age of 72. Nobody was really surprised when Chernenko soon disappeared from the public. He died in March 1985.
Russia Under Gorbachev