Notes
- After Brezhnev there were two short term leaders in Russia:
- Yuri Adropov 1982-84 (died)
- Konstantin Chernonko 1984-85
- Gorbachev took over in 1985
- Began "developed socialism" where he wanted to rid the USSR of corruption
- Gorbachev was forced to change his ways after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster
- Parallel to Lenin and Kronstadt mutiny
- Anti-alcohol campaign - cost state in revenue
- Investment in machinery and tool industry with a little return
- Glasnost backfired in that people began hoarding common goods
- Deficit grew annually
- He continued the war in Afghanistan too long
- His high ranking officials were based on loyalty rather than reform minded
Summary
Following Brezhnev, there were two short term leaders in Russia: Yuri Adropov and Konstantin Chernonko. Gorbachev tok power in 1985. He was the first leader to begin "developed socialism," where he wanted to rid the USSR of corruption.Gorbachev was forced to change his ways after the Chernobyl disaster in 1986. His reign was overthrown in a mutiny, parallel to Lenin and Kronstadt. He brought in an anti-alcohol campaign, which would cost the state in revenue. Vodka cannot be banned in Russia. An investment in machinery and tool industry brought little return, and with the backfire of Glasnost, people began hoarding common goods. The deficit grew annually, and he continued the war in Afghanistan too long. His high ranking officials were selected on loyalty rather than their commitment to being reform-minded.
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Quote
Political leaders still think things can be done through force, but that cannot solve terrorism. Backwardness is the breeding ground of terror, and that is what we have to fight. - Mikhail Gorbachev
Subjunctive Question
If Gorbachev didn't make mistakes to reform, would Russia have evolved differently?