Communism in crisis: the collapse of the soviet union. Flashcards
samizdat
self published illegal pamphlets. caused distent in the ussr
Tamizdat
Smuggled illegal documents. caused distent in the USSR
Political stagnation caused by
Gerontocracy: gov. rule by old people.
Was very conservative.
The Brezhnev doctrine limited
sovereignty
Afganistan 1979-1989
rebel forces opposed PDPA. Muja assasinates PDPA leaders and societ advisors. Invade to support PDPA invoking the Brezhnev Doctrine (10 year intervention) 10,000 lives lost. “USSR’s Vietnam”
CIA supports Muja. Russia lost.
Brez dies in
- taken over by Andropov and chernenk who supported the supression of polish solidariy movement. had poor relations with the US
Gorbachev takes office in
- His newly proposed reforms made him famous in Soviet Russia.
Gorb @ age 54 entering office was thought to be
young. remember that whole gerontocracy thing
gorb was less interested in following
tradition. he was interested in creating a better Russia. sought to repair and ailing system but was not willing to continue socialism if it did not aid in economic progression. he helped the people of Russia.
Gorb reforms
Decreased alcohol consumption
Perestroika
glastnost
Perestroika
restructuring of gov. system. goal of decentralization.
caused tensions between the gov and citizens
Glastnost
greater transparency. Criticism. minimize corruption. get rid of the idea of political stagnation. he was open to criticism.
Gorb renounced the brez. Doctrine
turned communism an unavailable type of government. tension grew.
G’s foreign Policy
Rounced B
withdrew from Afganistan- too costly
met w/ Regan: discussed aditional aims limitation treaties between two nations.
Reduced stock piles and cost of maintaining arsenal
In eastern Europe
distent and economic instaility, shortage of consumer goods.
Local party officials are concerned with Gor.s Reforms.
National movements gain momentum
