Gorbachev

Question 1

renunciation of the Brezhnev Doctrine

Answer 1

1989
Context: The Fall of the Eastern Bloc
In 1989, communist governments across Eastern Europe began to fall—Poland, Hungary, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania.

What was different this time?
→ The Soviet Union did not intervene militarily to stop the changes—marking a dramatic break from past policy. - CONTRADICTING BREZHNEV’S DOCTRINE

Question 2

the Sinatra doctrine

Answer 2

Soviet Foreign Ministry spokesman jokingly called the new policy the “Sinatra Doctrine”, saying:
“They do it their way,”
referencing Frank Sinatra’s song “My Way.”
This replaced the Brezhnev Doctrine by allowing each Eastern Bloc country to determine its own path, without Soviet interference.

Question 3

nature of Gorbachev’s rejection of Brezhnev doctrine

Answer 3

De facto renunciation” refers to the practical rejection or abandonment of something, even if there’s no formal legal or official process for doing so. It’s about the reality of someone no longer adhering to or holding something, regardless of whether there’s a formal declaration or legal change

Question 4

Cost of previously supporting satelite stated

Answer 4

$40 billion annually

Military Support & Arms Exports
The Soviets supplied arms and military training at discounted or no cost to many allies.
Much of this was never paid back, adding to the total burden.
Military support and interventions (like Afghanistan) were extremely expensive.

Question 5

removal of Article 6

Answer 5

Article 6 of Brezhnev’s 1977 Soviet Constitution had legally enshrined the CP’s monopoly on power…

Question 6

significance of the 19th party conference

Answer 6

1988 – 19th Party Conference
Gorbachev proposed major political reforms as part of his broader programs of Perestroika (restructuring) and Glasnost (openness).

This led to the creation of a new legislative body: the Congress of People’s Deputies.