Gorbachev and the New Thinking

Question 1

When did Mikhail Gorbachev become Soviet Premier?

Answer 1

March 1985

Question 2

What was Gorbachev willing to admit?

Answer 2

That the USSR faced real problems and that he would consider radical solutions

Question 3

What was Gorbachev’s solution to economic decline?

Answer 3

Perestroika (restructuring). Workers and managers should be given greater power to make economic decisions. This would remove power from the Soviet central planning authority - Gosplan

Question 4

What was Gorbachev’s solution to public loss of faith in communism?

Answer 4

Glasnost (openness). Corrupt and lazy members of the Communist Party should be removed. Government should admit past mistake and reduce censorship of the press

Question 5

What was Gorbachev’s solution to the burden of military spending?

Answer 5

Sought arms reduction talks with the USA to ensure security through dialogue rather than MAD