Andropov & Cherenko's Government + Party

Question 1

Andropov and Chernenko

Answer 1

Both old and part of gerontocracy.
Both attempted reform to iron out issues.
Neither prepared to introduce fundamental reforms.

Question 2

Andropov

Answer 2

11/1982 to 02/1984.
Age of 68yrs.
Believed system was stable but minor reforms needed.
Believed USSR needed to become a more disciplined nation.
Abandoned stability of cadres.
Introduced small-scale reforms focusing on labor discipline.
Anti-corruption campaign. Attacked senior figures… prosecuted Red Army General and Minister of the Interior, Nikolai Schelokov, & investigated Galina Brezhnev’s lover Boris.
Media exposed corrupt individuals
Biggest achievement = removing old and corrupt officials.
Younger generation to rise in government.

Question 3

Cherenko

Answer 3

02/1984 to 03/1985.
Unwilling to consider major reforms.
72 years old & extremely ill.
Couldn’t play much of a role in government, Gorbachev routinely led meetings on his behalf.
Achieved very little as Soviet leader.