Section C: Fall of the USSR

Question 1

Set the scene?

Answer 1

The USSR was formed in 1922 as a highly centralised union of communist republics.

By the time Gorbachev became leader in 1985, the USSR was characterised by political apathy and economic stagnation.

Gorbachev attempted to remedy these issues, but his actions were ultimately unsuccessful and the USSR officially ceased to exist on 31st December 1991.

The reasons for this collapse are a topic of debate amongst historians.

Question 2

Outline all the interpretations

Answer 2

1. The economic weaknesses and the failure of Gorbachev’s economic reforms
2. Political problems and the failures of Gorbachev’s political reforms
3. The nationalist resurgence in the Soviet republics and Eastern Europe
4. The personal actions of Gorbachev and Yeltsin

Question 3

Outline interpretation 3

Answer 3

• March 1985 = G backs out of Brezhnev Doctrine for ‘Satellite states’ (Poland, Hungary, Czech and East Germany). Doctrine cost USSR $40 billion annually. = Sinatra doctrine
• February 1986 = 27th party congress introduced gov centred on idea of ‘Glasnost’ = openness. When conservative members opposed, intellectuals invited to criticise. Appointed radical editors to e.g. Moscow news. Nationalists thought cld do better job governing republics.
• 1928 = removing many popular local leaders e.g. respected local Kazakh leader, Dinmukhammed

Question 4

Outline interpretation 3

Answer 4

• March 1985 = G backs out of Brezhnev Doctrine for ‘Satellite states’ (Poland, Hungary, Czech and East Germany). Doctrine cost USSR $40 billion annually. = Sinatra doctrine
• February 1986 = 27th party congress introduced gov centred on idea of ‘Glasnost’ = openness. When conservative members opposed, intellectuals invited to criticise. Appointed radical editors to e.g. Moscow news. Nationalists thought cld do better job governing republics.
• 1928 = removing many popular local leaders e.g. respected local Kazakh leader, Dinmukhamme. Shattered illusion of political independence
• 1987 = Nationalists start using increased freedom of expression permitted under Glasnost to publish materials criticising central government + call independence
• Oct 1987 = mass demonstrations held in soviet republic Armenia by nationalists protesting environmental damage caused by industrial policies
• 1988 =