Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership as the last General Secretary of the Soviet Union brought about significant changes through perestroika and glasnost. These reforms aimed to revitalize the economy and promote political openness, but also led to the unintended consequence of the USSR's collapse. Gorbachev's foreign policy initiatives contributed to the end of the Cold War, making his tenure a pivotal moment in 20th-century history.
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Gorbachev introduced perestroika to revitalize the economy through market-like reforms
Glasnost allowed for greater freedom of expression and transparency in government operations
Gorbachev pursued arms reduction negotiations and advocated for a reduction in the Soviet military presence abroad
The economic restructuring led to significant disruptions and shortages, undermining the planned economy
Glasnost unleashed a wave of nationalism and public dissent, leading to the erosion of centralized power
The combination of economic decline, political changes, and independence movements led to the dissolution of the USSR in 1991
Gorbachev's diplomatic endeavors and policies of détente and disarmament contributed to the end of the Cold War
Gorbachev's reforms inadvertently hastened the disintegration of the Soviet Union and its satellite states
Gorbachev's leadership is a subject of significant historical debate, with some crediting him for modernizing the Soviet system and altering the geopolitical landscape
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______ was the final leader of the Soviet Union's Communist Party, holding the position from ______ until the state ceased to exist in ______.
Mikhail Gorbachev
1985
1991
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Perestroika: Economic Decentralization
Gorbachev's perestroika aimed to reduce central government control over economy, allowing more local decision-making.
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Perestroika: Market Economy Introduction
Introduced market elements like private business legalization, cooperative ventures, and market pricing for certain goods/services.
