Gorbachev Notes

1. Who was Gorbachev and what were his aims?

Gorbachev was the son of agricultural mechanics, grandson of Communists (grandfather arrested for supporting Trotsky). He was involved after college with Communist Youth Organization, and became the secretary, and later the top Komsomol official, and then a delegate. He became a member of Politburo and then a deputy to Chernenko. When Chernenko died, Gorbachev took over as Secretary of the Communist Party. He had major campaigns against corruption, alcohol, and conservative members of the Party. He focused on “establishing a market economy” and changed foreign policy.

2. Describe Gorbachev’s main policies of Glasnost and Perestroika and what were the consequences of these policies for the Soviet Union?

Perestroika:

1986: laid out new policy of perestroika/reconstruction. He wanted to fix the economy and stagnation by increasing progress socially and economically. It was the "conference of development of democracy, socialist self-government, encouragement of initiative and creative endeavor, improved order and disciple, more glasnost, criticism and self-criticism in all spheres of our society. It is utmost respect for the individual and consideration for personal dignity."

Glasnost:

1988: gave freedom to general public, freedom of speech. Press is controlled less by the government, and most of the political prisoners were released. By doing Glasnost, the conservaties opposing Gorbachev would be eased into his ideas, and wanted support of the SU people.