Mikhail Gorbachev
- After Brezhnev there were two short term leaders in Russia:
- Yuri Andropov 1982-84 (died)
- Konstantin Chernenko 1984-85 (tempory replacement)
- Gorbachev took over in 85
- Began "developed socialism" where he wanted to rid the USSR or corruption
- Gorbachev was forced to change his ways after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster
- Parallel to Lenin and Kronstadt mutiny
Gorbachev's Mistakes to Reform:
- anti-alcohol campaign- cost state revenue
- Investment in machinery and tool industry with little return
- Glasnost backfired in the people began hoarding common goods
- Deficit grew annually
- He continued the war in Afghanistan too long
- His ranking officials were based on loyalty rather than reform mindedness
Summary: Gorbachev took over in 1985 following Konstantin Chernenko. He began the process of developing socialism to rid the corruption of the USSR. He also tried to introduce an anti-alcohol campaign which was incredibly unsuccessful.
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Quote: "I am a Communist, a convinced Communist! For some that may be a fantasy. But to me it is my main goal."
-Mikhail Gorbachev |
If Gorbachev didnt make mistakes to reform, would Russia have evolved differently?
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