The collapse of the Soviets Flashcards
When was the beginning and end of the Soviet Union?
1922~1991
What happened to soviet union economy in the 1970s and 1980s?
Economy of the huge region slowed (soviet money had almost no value outside the country)
What is Russification?
The soviet union moved Russians into the Eurasian Republics and put them in charge, forcing peoplw to learn the Russian language
Did the Eurasian republics approve of Russification?
The resented it
Who became head of the Soviet communist party in 1985?
Mikhail Gorbachev
What movement did he promote?
perestroika (restruction)
What did Gorbachev believe?
That less government control would make the economy more effective
In 1990, what did the government present to the economy that had failed to improve?
A 500 day plan
What was the 500 day plan?
The republics would have greater control over their economies, and state ownership of business would decline
What else did Gorbachev introduce?
Glasnost (openness), which encouraged people to speak openly about the government
Did Glasnost work out?
It backfired, with people demanding for more freedom
What year did the berlin wall collapse?
1989
Why could the government no longer manage its vast empire?
Due to weakened economy
By 1990, all the republics had declared their what?
Autonomy (determination to govern themselves)
In 1991, what did the communists who opposed Gorbachev’s idea attempt against him?
A coup (a sudden overthrow of government by force)
