Gorbachev Flashcards
When did Gorbachev become leader of the USSR?
1985
What problems did he recognise the USSR were facing?
- weak economy
- spending far too much on arms race;
- locked into an unwinnable war in Afghanistan
What did Gorbachev believe about Communism?
That the system should and could improve the lives of ordinary people
What was Gorbachev offended by?
Higher living standards in the West and the poor quality of many Soviet goods as well as many Soviet citizens having no loyalty to the government
What did Gorbachev plan to do about communism? What would it give people?
Reform it radically and it would give people pride and belief in their country
What did Gorbachev not intend to do?
Did not intend to dismantle communism in the USSR and Eastern Europe
What did Gorbachev do in March 1987?
Called a meeting of the leaders of the Warsaw Pact
What did he say at the meeting of the leaders of the Warsaw Pact?
- Told those assembled that they were responsible for their own fates, and there would be an unprecedented degree of self-determination.
- Instructed them to set about reforming their own countries as he didn’t think communism was doomed and thought when reformed it would allow for better living standards than the West
What did the leaders of the Warsaw Pact think about Gorbachev’s comments?
Most being traditionalists did not believe what he said
What were Gorbachev’s reforms?
Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring)
What was Glasnost?
He called for open debate on government policy and honesty in facing up to problems
What was significant about perestroika in 1987?
He allowed market forces for the first time in 60 years, no longer illegal to buy and sell for profit
Gorbachev reforms in the arms race
Reduced defence spending: arms race with USA immensely costly; Red Army began to shrink
Gorbachev reforms in international relations
Withdrew from Afghanistan and talked of cooperation with the West
Ronald Reagan Presidency Dates
January 1981-1989
Ronald Reagan attitude to USSR
Get tough attitude - he criticised its control over Eastern Europe and increased US military spending
How did Reagan’s toughness help Gorbachev?
- It was clear by the late 1980’s that the USSR could not compete with American military spending. This helped Gorbachev to push through his military spending cuts.
- Reagan got on quite well with Gorbachev himself. As superpower relations improved, the USSR felt less threatened by the USA. This meant there was less need for the USSR to control Eastern Europe.
What did Gorbachev’s reforms give people in Eastern European states?
Hope for improved living conditions. Also demands for change increased
When was Gorbachev’s speech to the Warsaw Pact leaders?
July 1988
What did Gorbachev’s speech to the Warsaw Pact leaders say?
He planned to withdraw large numbers of troops, tanks and aircraft from Eastern Europe. Hungary was particularly eager to get rid of Soviet troops and Gorbachev accepted this
What did Gorbachev say in March 1989?
The red Army would not intervene to prop up communist regimes in Eastern Europe
