Brezhnev, 1964-1982

Question 1

What were Brezhnev’s political beliefs?

Answer 1

He believed that the revolution had been completed by Lenin and Stalin. Therefore, he argued that the Party needed to resist change and focus on stability.

Question 2

In what 4 ways was Brezhnev’s government politically stagnated?

Answer 2

1. Gerontocracy
2. Inefficiency
3. Corruption
4. Moral decline

Question 3

Give a piece of evidence for Brezhnev’s government being a gerontocracy

Answer 3

In 1982, the the average age of people in the politburo was 75.

Question 4

Why was Bs. government ineffective?

Answer 4

Stability of cadres provided no incentives for hard work as there was little opportunity for promotion

Question 5

Give one example of corruption in Bs. government.

Answer 5

The lover of Brezhnev’s daughter smuggled millions of pounds’ worth of diamonds out of the USSR.

Question 6

Moral decline - how was the nature of government under Brezhnev different?

Answer 6

Brezhnev believed socialism had been completed. The revolutionary spirit of the party was lost.

Question 7

What 2 changes did Yuri Andropov make?

Answer 7

1. Abandoned the ‘stability of cadres’ policy, replacing a quarter of senior officials.
2. Anti-corruption campaign - targeted red army generals

Question 8

Summarise Chernenko’s contribution to government

Answer 8

• unwilling to consider major reform

- achieved little