Mikhail Gorbachev

Context of Gorbachev’s leadership Important to remember that not every empire that faces

crisis faces collapse. However, the accession to power of Gorbachev in 1985 unleashed a chain reaction that led to the extinction of the no.2 superpower in 7 years.

The role of Gorbachev in the break up of the Soviet Union has always been weighed up with the long term, structural factors of the regime.

Long term: During the Brezhnev era, there emerged a better

educated Soviet citizen who did not necessarily accept the official doctrine. They yearned for greater autonomy.

Short term: There were a number of instant problems for Gorbachev

as well, including falling economic growth rates, major ecological disasters and the army’s inability to defeat the Afghan mujaheddin, amongst a number of others.

Gorbachev’s style During his time, Gorbachev

allowed greater freedoms for speech, which allowed an increasing amount of people to voice their disaffection with his policies.

Had Cherenko been replaced by more run-of-the-mill Communist official, such as Romanov, events would have taken quite a different course.

However, this is not to say that Gorbachev was reformer. He announced following his election as leader, “we have no need to change our policy. It is correct and truly Leninist. We have to pick up speed and move forward [to]...our radiant future”.

Task Stick in picture of Gorbachev. Use p.135-136 until “Gorbachev: the cautious

reformer” to chart Gorbachev’s life and rise to power.

Problems in 1980’s Biggest problem for

Gorbachev was the economy after years of declining economic growth.

However, there was little room for innovation in the Soviet’s “command economy”.

The Soviet Union also faced problems in maintaining their superpower status.

Task Examine the USSR's strengths and

weaknesses at the time of Gorbachev’s rise to power.

Look back over the previous 3 years from Andropov’s leadership(p.128) to help you.

Once finished answer the 2 questions p.137.

Gorbachev’s beginnings Gorbachev became

leader in 1985, but did not have a radical agenda. He believed all reforms necessary could be achieved through the existing political and social system.

Initially, though Gorbachev had to consolidate his position as leader.

He replaced rivals such as Romanov and Grishkin with his own supporters.

Task Under the sub-title of “Gorbachev’s

supporters”, stick in the pictures and write a brief description of Alexander Yakovlev (p.139), Eduard Shevardnadze (p.139) and Nickolai Ryzhkov (p.130)

Gorbachev’s leadership Gorbachev’s leadership was

unlike most others. He went on Western style

amongst the people. Gorbachev also encouraged colleagues to do the same.

Gorbachev was keen to show an interest in people’s opinions and remained modest amongst the public.

Task: Complete “Activity” on

p.141 using information on p.140-141 and your own knowledge.

Glasnost and Perestroika Thee were the names of

Gorbachev’s two major policies.

Perestroika, meaning “restructuring” was his attempt a economic reform.

Glasnost, meaning “openness” was a way to allow greater freedom in the press to allow leaders to communicate with the public.