5.1 The significance of the economic weaknesses of the USSR and the failure of reform

Question 1

Why was Glasnost introduced?

Answer 1

Glasnost was needed due to corruption and nepotism within the party. It would provide the opportunity of removing officials who went against reform

Question 2

What was democratisation?

Answer 2

It was an attempt by Gorbachev to get people involved in the Communist Party and political debate

Question 3

What was Glasnost?

Answer 3

The Soviet Policy of openness under Mikhail Gorbachev

Question 4

What was the impact of Glasnost?

Answer 4

1) People criticised the party on poor housing, Stalin’s mass terror, famine and WW2
2) By 1989, the population was much more politicised. There was 60,000 informal groups and clubs voicing their opinion of political reform. The party and Gorbachev were criticised highly for not introducing radical reform