1985-1991
Perestroika and Glasnost were hoped to cure the Soviet Union, but instead the situation got out of hand and resulted in the collapse of the entire Communist world.
Reagan and Gorbachev Signing the INF Treaty In the White House. Unknown Photographer (8 Dec 1987)
Background
Mikhail Gorbachev was only 54 years old when he was elected General Secretary in March 1985. He brought fresh air to the party.
Perestroika, Glasnost
The Soviet model of planned economy had completely fallen into crisis and Gorbachev was determined to launch large-scale reform campaigns: Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness).
Foreign policy
New economic reforms demanded funds and Russia could no longer keep up with the USA in the global arms race. Gorbachev proposed putting an end to the arms race and establishing warmer diplomatic relations.
Reform
In 1989 Gorbachev’s reforms introduced the first free elections in 72 years. The new body Congress of People’s Deputies came together 25 May 1989.
Rebellions
But Gorbachev’s reforms did not work and the living standard of people worsened. On 9 November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell as a culmination of a peaceful mass demonstration.
Collapse of the Soviet Union
After the failed August Putsch Gorbachev lost all of his authority to the new president of Russia Boris Yeltsin.
Russia Under Gorbachev
1985-1991
Perestroika and Glasnost were hoped to cure the Soviet Union, but instead the situation got out of hand and resulted in the collapse of the entire Communist world.
Reagan and Gorbachev Signing the INF Treaty In the White House. Unknown Photographer (8 Dec 1987)
Background
Mikhail Gorbachev was only 54 years old when he was elected General Secretary in March 1985. He brought fresh air to the party.
Perestroika, Glasnost
The Soviet model of planned economy had completely fallen into crisis and Gorbachev was determined to launch large-scale reform campaigns: Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness).
Foreign policy
New economic reforms demanded funds and Russia could no longer keep up with the USA in the global arms race. Gorbachev proposed putting an end to the arms race and establishing warmer diplomatic relations.
Reform
In 1989 Gorbachev’s reforms introduced the first free elections in 72 years. The new body Congress of People’s Deputies came together 25 May 1989.
Rebellions
But Gorbachev’s reforms did not work and the living standard of people worsened. On 9 November 1989 the Berlin Wall fell as a culmination of a peaceful mass demonstration.
Collapse of the Soviet Union
After the failed August Putsch Gorbachev lost all of his authority to the new president of Russia Boris Yeltsin.
Mikhail Gorbachev