Political stagnation, 1970-85

Question 1

1. How many people were promoted to the Politburo between 1964 and 71?
   - What % of C.C. retained their jobs following party congresses between 1966 and 71?
2. What did this create?
3. What was the average age of Politburo members by 1982?
   - How did this compare to 1966?

Answer 1

1. Two.
   - 80-90%.
2. A Gerontocracy.
3. 75. • 58.

Question 2

1. Name one example of corruption.
2. How did Brezhnev begin to see the Black Market? (2)
3. What created the context for corruption? (2)

Answer 2

1. Brezhnev’s daughters lover smuggling millions of pounds worth of diamonds out of the USSR.
2. As a necessary evil to improve lives of Soviet people.
3. Rare sackings and limited opportunities for advancement.