Collapse of the Eastern Bloc and the USSR
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Collapse of the Eastern Bloc and the
USSR
Collapse of the Eastern Bloc and the
USSRHistory 12Ms LeslieHistory 12Ms Leslie
4 reasons for collapse4 reasons for collapse
1. Economic failure
Economic stagnation - prices increased, wages did not
1. Economic failure
Economic stagnation - prices increased, wages did not
EEC – 1958-1993EEC – 1958-1993
The USSR was left out of the European Economic Community
The EEC was set up to create stronger trade relations between European communities and economic integration (precursor to the EU)
The original members are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
The USSR was left out of the European Economic Community
The EEC was set up to create stronger trade relations between European communities and economic integration (precursor to the EU)
The original members are Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg and the Netherlands.
2. New technology/media
2. New technology/media
Electronic communication made censorship more difficult.
Fax machines were difficult for a totalitarian regime to control. Radio and television signals were more and more difficult to jam.
This lead to the east learning about conditions in the West and raising their expectations for standards of living
Electronic communication made censorship more difficult.
Fax machines were difficult for a totalitarian regime to control. Radio and television signals were more and more difficult to jam.
This lead to the east learning about conditions in the West and raising their expectations for standards of living
3. Gorbachev3. Gorbachev
Reluctant to use force, which caused the Europeans to become bolder.
Reformed the communist regime to the point of collapse
Reluctant to use force, which caused the Europeans to become bolder.
Reformed the communist regime to the point of collapse
4. nationalism4. nationalism
Countries like Poland wanted to rid their country of occupiers for years.
Czechs and Slovaks had finally been freed of the Austrian-Hungarian empire, only to lose to the Nazis and then Soviets.
‘Ruskie go home’ was a common cry.
Countries like Poland wanted to rid their country of occupiers for years.
Czechs and Slovaks had finally been freed of the Austrian-Hungarian empire, only to lose to the Nazis and then Soviets.
‘Ruskie go home’ was a common cry.
The Prague SpringThe Prague Spring
Czechoslovakia’s attempt at liberalization
Was a democratic country between the two world wars.
In 1968 Dubcek is in charge. He brings back freedom of press, assembly, worship and travel abroad. He was preparing for free elections and called his reform movement ‘socialism with a human face’
Czechoslovakia’s attempt at liberalization
Was a democratic country between the two world wars.
In 1968 Dubcek is in charge. He brings back freedom of press, assembly, worship and travel abroad. He was preparing for free elections and called his reform movement ‘socialism with a human face’
His reforms: allowing workers more say in factories, standard of living raised travel to the West open to all.
His reforms were threatening to spread to Romania, this was a threat the Soviets could not allow
His reforms: allowing workers more say in factories, standard of living raised travel to the West open to all.
His reforms were threatening to spread to Romania, this was a threat the Soviets could not allow
August 22, 500,000 troops were sent in.
there was no organized Czech resistance like there was in Hungary in 1956
Dubcek was arrested and replaced with Husak who followed Moscow’s instructions and removed all the newly gained freedoms.
August 22, 500,000 troops were sent in.
there was no organized Czech resistance like there was in Hungary in 1956
Dubcek was arrested and replaced with Husak who followed Moscow’s instructions and removed all the newly gained freedoms.
It is important to note that the Czechs were not trying to break out of the USSR, but to humanize communism.
This resulted in the Brezhnev Doctrine. – it was the right and duty of neighbouring socialist countries to intervene in each others affairs when socialism was threatened.
It is important to note that the Czechs were not trying to break out of the USSR, but to humanize communism.
This resulted in the Brezhnev Doctrine. – it was the right and duty of neighbouring socialist countries to intervene in each others affairs when socialism was threatened.
Results of the Prague Spring
Results of the Prague Spring
1. Czechoslovakia returned to communist control and Russian troops were stationed there.
1. Czechoslovakia returned to communist control and Russian troops were stationed there.
2. The Brezhnev Doctrine stated that Iron Curtain countries would not be allowed to abandon communism, "even if it meant a third world war".
3. Increase of the Cold War. People in the West were horrified and so were many communist countries, especially Romania and Yugoslavia.
2. The Brezhnev Doctrine stated that Iron Curtain countries would not be allowed to abandon communism, "even if it meant a third world war".
3. Increase of the Cold War. People in the West were horrified and so were many communist countries, especially Romania and Yugoslavia.
PolandPoland
In 1980 Poland had created the Solidarity trade union by Lech Walesa. They organized several peaceful protests and massive strikes.
In 1981 the government declared martial law, made solidarity illegal and Walesa was imprisoned.
In 1980 Poland had created the Solidarity trade union by Lech Walesa. They organized several peaceful protests and massive strikes.
In 1981 the government declared martial law, made solidarity illegal and Walesa was imprisoned.
In the 1980’s the economy of Poland was going down hill.
In 1981 there was a new leader, General Jaruzelski, who was a hardline soviet.
Food prices rose 400%.
In the 1980’s the economy of Poland was going down hill.
In 1981 there was a new leader, General Jaruzelski, who was a hardline soviet.
Food prices rose 400%.
In 1983 martial law was lifted and a few solidarity leaders were released. (illegal until 1989)
In 1983 martial law was lifted and a few solidarity leaders were released. (illegal until 1989)
Poland 1989Poland 1989
In the spring Jaruzelski began talks with the opposition about economic reform as he needed them onboard to make his reforms.
They produced a new constitution which allowed for free elections but the communists would keep special privileges
In the spring Jaruzelski began talks with the opposition about economic reform as he needed them onboard to make his reforms.
They produced a new constitution which allowed for free elections but the communists would keep special privileges
elections gave Solidarity 92% of the seats in the Senate and 160/161 seats in the lower house.
The Communists invoked their special constitutional privileges and Jaruzelski remained president while a solidarity leader, Mazowiecski, was Prime Minister.
lead to a government coalition of communists and non-communists.
elections gave Solidarity 92% of the seats in the Senate and 160/161 seats in the lower house.
The Communists invoked their special constitutional privileges and Jaruzelski remained president while a solidarity leader, Mazowiecski, was Prime Minister.
lead to a government coalition of communists and non-communists.
1990 – Lech Walesa Became president of Poland.
They become separate from the USSR
It’s important to note that the soviets did nothing to intervene in the democratization of Poland.
1990 – Lech Walesa Became president of Poland.
They become separate from the USSR
It’s important to note that the soviets did nothing to intervene in the democratization of Poland.
HungaryHungary
In 1985 the economy was in trouble. The leader Janos Kadar, started democratization.1988 he’s thrown out by people who want communistic reforms
But, after seeing the events unfolding in Poland, the communists in charge decided to leave peacefully.
In 1985 the economy was in trouble. The leader Janos Kadar, started democratization.1988 he’s thrown out by people who want communistic reforms
But, after seeing the events unfolding in Poland, the communists in charge decided to leave peacefully.
In March 1990 free elections were held and the Democratic Forum party (Peasants and Farmers) won and Jozsef Antall became Prime ministers.
Not a single shot was fired in this revolution, opposite of what happened in 1956.
In March 1990 free elections were held and the Democratic Forum party (Peasants and Farmers) won and Jozsef Antall became Prime ministers.
Not a single shot was fired in this revolution, opposite of what happened in 1956.
CzechoslovakiaCzechoslovakia
1980’s – economy is failing causing the leader, Husak to resign and be replaced by hardliner Milos Jakes.
Nov 17, 1989 was the ‘Velvet revolution’ when huge demonstrations in Prague were violently put down
1980’s – economy is failing causing the leader, Husak to resign and be replaced by hardliner Milos Jakes.
Nov 17, 1989 was the ‘Velvet revolution’ when huge demonstrations in Prague were violently put down
Further demonstrations and strikes are organized by former leader Dubcek and Vaclev Havel, causing the communist party to leave peacefully.
Further demonstrations and strikes are organized by former leader Dubcek and Vaclev Havel, causing the communist party to leave peacefully.
Havel became President of a democratic Czechoslovakia on Dec 29, 1989.
In 1992 Czechoslovakia split in to the two states it is today.
Havel became President of a democratic Czechoslovakia on Dec 29, 1989.
In 1992 Czechoslovakia split in to the two states it is today.
RomaniaRomania
Had a brutal dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu since 1965.
Romania was still loyal to the Warsaw Pact.
Had a brutal dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu since 1965.
Romania was still loyal to the Warsaw Pact.
Small changes happened in Romania such as dropping Russian language from the school system and not supporting the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, they also had their own relationship with Israel.
Small changes happened in Romania such as dropping Russian language from the school system and not supporting the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia, they also had their own relationship with Israel.
On Dec 17, 1989, in Timisoara the government massacred protesters,
this sparked another protest on Dec 21 which resulted in more deaths.
On Dec 17, 1989, in Timisoara the government massacred protesters,
this sparked another protest on Dec 21 which resulted in more deaths.
By the Dec 22 Protest the army refused orders to fire on the people.
The crowds arrested Ceausescu and his wife and within days they were tried and executed.
Romania was then lead by another dictator, Ion Iliescu until 1996
By the Dec 22 Protest the army refused orders to fire on the people.
The crowds arrested Ceausescu and his wife and within days they were tried and executed.
Romania was then lead by another dictator, Ion Iliescu until 1996
East GermanyEast Germany
Was ruled by dictator Erich Honecker since 1971, the most repressive of all the soviet satellites.
Refused to make any concessions with his people despite the events that were unfolding around him.
Was ruled by dictator Erich Honecker since 1971, the most repressive of all the soviet satellites.
Refused to make any concessions with his people despite the events that were unfolding around him.
On the other hand, Gorbachev had traveled to West Germany to seek financial assistance and had stated he wished to see the end of the division between the two Germanys.
On the other hand, Gorbachev had traveled to West Germany to seek financial assistance and had stated he wished to see the end of the division between the two Germanys.
Summer of 1989 thousands of East Germans were now escaping through the Polish, and Hungarian borders to Austria.
By October there were demonstrations all over East Germany calling for reform.
This reform movement was led by the Protestant church and was called the ‘New Forum’.
Summer of 1989 thousands of East Germans were now escaping through the Polish, and Hungarian borders to Austria.
By October there were demonstrations all over East Germany calling for reform.
This reform movement was led by the Protestant church and was called the ‘New Forum’.
Honecker wanted to shoot the protesters but he was overruled by party officials.
Honecker was then dumped by the party and Egon Krenz became the new leader of East Germany, for 3 months.
Honecker wanted to shoot the protesters but he was overruled by party officials.
Honecker was then dumped by the party and Egon Krenz became the new leader of East Germany, for 3 months.
And the wall came tumbling down
And the wall came tumbling down
Nov 9, 1989 Krenz announced that he would make it easier for East Germans to cross the border
By 10 pm East Berliners flocked ot the wall demanding it be opened
The border guards let them through
Nov 9, 1989 Krenz announced that he would make it easier for East Germans to cross the border
By 10 pm East Berliners flocked ot the wall demanding it be opened
The border guards let them through
Thousands of people stormed the wall
Started tearing it down
Biggest party in history
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM2qq5J5A1s
Thousands of people stormed the wall
Started tearing it down
Biggest party in history
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MM2qq5J5A1s
First electionsFirst elections
Nov 9, 1989 the Berlin wall was opened up and free elections were promised.
These elections were won by Hulmut Kohl’s Christian Democrats.
Nov 9, 1989 the Berlin wall was opened up and free elections were promised.
These elections were won by Hulmut Kohl’s Christian Democrats.
The reunification process of Germany started and Gorbachev promised to withdraw troops.
On Oct 30, 1990 Helmut Kohl became the first chancellor of all of Germany since Hitler.
The reunification process of Germany started and Gorbachev promised to withdraw troops.
On Oct 30, 1990 Helmut Kohl became the first chancellor of all of Germany since Hitler.
YugoslaviaYugoslavia
Was not a soviet satellite.
It was created in 1919 at the Paris Peace conference and had 2 nations in it – Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia.
Was not a soviet satellite.
It was created in 1919 at the Paris Peace conference and had 2 nations in it – Croatia, Serbia, Montenegro, Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina and Macedonia.
A lot of ethnic based hatred, especially between the Serbs and Croatians – stemming from the Croatian collaboration with the Nazis in WWII.
Big Nazi movement still
A lot of ethnic based hatred, especially between the Serbs and Croatians – stemming from the Croatian collaboration with the Nazis in WWII.
Big Nazi movement still
Tito who ruled until his death in 1980 liberated the country from the Nazis.
He did not tolerate nationalist sentiments, upon his death a new ethnic representative government was set up – this new government fell apart in the mid 1980’s
Tito who ruled until his death in 1980 liberated the country from the Nazis.
He did not tolerate nationalist sentiments, upon his death a new ethnic representative government was set up – this new government fell apart in the mid 1980’s
In 1988 Slobodan Milosevic became Prime Minister and he started a civil war. He was elected on the pretense that he would maintain a united Yugoslavia was Serbs as the dominant group
By 1991 Croatia and Slovenia were demanding independence.
In 1988 Slobodan Milosevic became Prime Minister and he started a civil war. He was elected on the pretense that he would maintain a united Yugoslavia was Serbs as the dominant group
By 1991 Croatia and Slovenia were demanding independence.
1991- Serb-Croatian war
1991- Serb-Croatian war
June – Croatia declares independence. Followed by Slovenia. Croatia had a large Serbian Majority which complicated things. Serbia then invaded Croatia and held key parts of the republic by summer.
June – Croatia declares independence. Followed by Slovenia. Croatia had a large Serbian Majority which complicated things. Serbia then invaded Croatia and held key parts of the republic by summer.
Milosevic was willing to negotiate peace terms with Croatia, now that he was in possession of most of it.
The UN had to intervene with 11,000 peacekeepers.
End of 1991 – Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina were independent.
Milosevic was willing to negotiate peace terms with Croatia, now that he was in possession of most of it.
The UN had to intervene with 11,000 peacekeepers.
End of 1991 – Croatia, Slovenia and Bosnia-Herzegovina were independent.
War in Bosnia- Herzegovina
War in Bosnia- Herzegovina
Population made up of Muslims, Croatians and Serbs.
Bosnian Serbs attacked the Bosnian Muslims, hoping to gain their territory.
Milosevic encouraged the Serbs to undertake ethnic cleansing – meaning the Serbs moved the Muslims to camps and killed most of the men.
Population made up of Muslims, Croatians and Serbs.
Bosnian Serbs attacked the Bosnian Muslims, hoping to gain their territory.
Milosevic encouraged the Serbs to undertake ethnic cleansing – meaning the Serbs moved the Muslims to camps and killed most of the men.
No one intervened to stop the genocide – but everyone knew about it.
NATO finally deployed its airforce and did a few air strikes against the Serbs
1996 – peace was reached in December1999 – events in Kosovo are directly related to this war.
No one intervened to stop the genocide – but everyone knew about it.
NATO finally deployed its airforce and did a few air strikes against the Serbs
1996 – peace was reached in December1999 – events in Kosovo are directly related to this war.
Milosevic was tried for crimes against humanity, violating the laws of war, breaches of the Geneva Conventions and alleged genocide for his role during the wars in Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbian province of Kosovo.
He died of a heart attack in 2006 in his jail cell
Milosevic was tried for crimes against humanity, violating the laws of war, breaches of the Geneva Conventions and alleged genocide for his role during the wars in Croatia, Bosnia, and Serbian province of Kosovo.
He died of a heart attack in 2006 in his jail cell
Fall of the USSRFall of the USSR
Khrushchev was removed from power in 1964because of failures in agriculture and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
His behaviour at the UN was also embarrassing (shoe banging)
He stepped down officially for health reasons and died in 1971.
Khrushchev was removed from power in 1964because of failures in agriculture and the Cuban Missile Crisis.
His behaviour at the UN was also embarrassing (shoe banging)
He stepped down officially for health reasons and died in 1971.
Btw - this famous photo is doctored - no actual photo of event
Leonid BrezhnevLeonid Brezhnev
Leader 1964-82More like StalinStubborn. Would not recognize the decay of Communism
Benefited from the struggles of the working class.
Leader 1964-82More like StalinStubborn. Would not recognize the decay of Communism
Benefited from the struggles of the working class.
Tightened control over criticism and artistic freedoms.
Exiles Solzhenitsyn in 1974 over his biographic ‘one day in the life of Ivan Denisovich’
Became ill - made him talk funny, kiss people and award himself a lot of medals
Had a stroke in May 1982 and died November.
Tightened control over criticism and artistic freedoms.
Exiles Solzhenitsyn in 1974 over his biographic ‘one day in the life of Ivan Denisovich’
Became ill - made him talk funny, kiss people and award himself a lot of medals
Had a stroke in May 1982 and died November.
The KGB also fed him a lot of pills as he got older and sicker, causing erratic behaviour
Yuri AndropovYuri Andropov
Leader 1982-84Former chief of KGB = ability to use police terror to crush dissidents
67 years old with a heart problem
Knew the party needed reform for economic growth to happen
Leader 1982-84Former chief of KGB = ability to use police terror to crush dissidents
67 years old with a heart problem
Knew the party needed reform for economic growth to happen
Wanted to eliminate corruption in the high levels of the party – punished black marketers, tightened factory discipline (punishing drunkenness on the floor), managers were given more decision making power in regards to prices and wages.
Productivity increased
Wanted to eliminate corruption in the high levels of the party – punished black marketers, tightened factory discipline (punishing drunkenness on the floor), managers were given more decision making power in regards to prices and wages.
Productivity increased
Wanted to have better relations with the USA, but Reagan refused
The most dramatic even happened when Soviet forces shot down a Korean Boeing 747 over their territory, killing hundreds. There was fear of American retaliation
Andropov died in Feb 1984
Wanted to have better relations with the USA, but Reagan refused
The most dramatic even happened when Soviet forces shot down a Korean Boeing 747 over their territory, killing hundreds. There was fear of American retaliation
Andropov died in Feb 1984
Konstantin ChernenkoKonstantin Chernenko
Leader 1984-85Was ill when he took office (73 years old)
Traditional and opposed to reform
Died in March 1985 from heart and lung disease.
Leader 1984-85Was ill when he took office (73 years old)
Traditional and opposed to reform
Died in March 1985 from heart and lung disease.
Accomplishments of the USSR until 1985
Accomplishments of the USSR until 1985
Russia now a modern superpowerUSA and USSR equal in military might
Everyday lives on citizens improved – famine no longer an issue
Improvements in education, medical services and life expectancy
Russia now a modern superpowerUSA and USSR equal in military might
Everyday lives on citizens improved – famine no longer an issue
Improvements in education, medical services and life expectancy
5 Problems in 1980’s USSR
5 Problems in 1980’s USSR
1. Economic StagnationEconomic growth slowed from 5% in the 1960’s to 2% in the 1980s. the people were growing tired of lining up for food and a black market had developed.
1. Economic StagnationEconomic growth slowed from 5% in the 1960’s to 2% in the 1980s. the people were growing tired of lining up for food and a black market had developed.
There were 265 million people in the USSR and they had to import massive amounts of grain to feed them all.
From 1985-90 there was rationing of common items.
And consumer goods were of poor quality.
And resources were used inefficiently.
There were 265 million people in the USSR and they had to import massive amounts of grain to feed them all.
From 1985-90 there was rationing of common items.
And consumer goods were of poor quality.
And resources were used inefficiently.
2. Military spending2. Military spending
had to compete with the USA. The military budget was 15-25% of the GNP, in the USA is was only about 5%.
The USSR was unable to grow their military while ensuring a quality of life for the people.
had to compete with the USA. The military budget was 15-25% of the GNP, in the USA is was only about 5%.
The USSR was unable to grow their military while ensuring a quality of life for the people.
3. Political stagnation and corruption
3. Political stagnation and corruption
Party officials had a privileged life and wanted to keep it that way.
The system helped their economic needs, so why change it?
Party officials had a privileged life and wanted to keep it that way.
The system helped their economic needs, so why change it?
4. Ideology4. Ideology
A command economy is different from a free market because it does not allow a relationship between the producer and consumer.
In a command economy, supply and demand is replaced by centralized planning; the state decides pricing.
A command economy is different from a free market because it does not allow a relationship between the producer and consumer.
In a command economy, supply and demand is replaced by centralized planning; the state decides pricing.
5. Nationalism5. Nationalism
The Tsars and dictators used extreme oppression to dominate over Russia’s diverse population.
Only 50% of the USSR was Russian.
As nationalism increased, so did demand for independence and reforms.
The Tsars and dictators used extreme oppression to dominate over Russia’s diverse population.
Only 50% of the USSR was Russian.
As nationalism increased, so did demand for independence and reforms.
Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev
Became the leader in March 1985 at the age of 54.
His greatest strength was his personality; he was charming and charismatic.
Became the leader in March 1985 at the age of 54.
His greatest strength was his personality; he was charming and charismatic.
His intention was to reform the communist party for the modern age, no bring it down.
His first years in office were spent trying to rid the system of corruption and to catch up with capitalist countries in industry and agriculture.
successful at the high levels of office, but local governments ignored his reforms.
His intention was to reform the communist party for the modern age, no bring it down.
His first years in office were spent trying to rid the system of corruption and to catch up with capitalist countries in industry and agriculture.
successful at the high levels of office, but local governments ignored his reforms.
Wanted to reform industry to ensure better quality products.
In the mid 80’s he also started talking about ending the Soviet adventure in Afghanistan.
Wanted to reform industry to ensure better quality products.
In the mid 80’s he also started talking about ending the Soviet adventure in Afghanistan.
1986 – April - Chernobyl.
The nuclear melt down was a huge embarrassment and made it apparent that the socialist system had to change drastically.
1986 – April - Chernobyl.
The nuclear melt down was a huge embarrassment and made it apparent that the socialist system had to change drastically.
Glasnost – 1986Glasnost – 1986
This term basically means ‘openness’ or ‘making public’.
For the first time in Russian/Soviet history a leader was inviting and encouraging open debate about issues in the country.
No longer would opponents of the regime be purged.
This term basically means ‘openness’ or ‘making public’.
For the first time in Russian/Soviet history a leader was inviting and encouraging open debate about issues in the country.
No longer would opponents of the regime be purged.
Newspapers less censoredAcademic world allowed to review socialist policies
Political prisoners were freed from exile
Gorbachev denounced Stalin
Newspapers less censoredAcademic world allowed to review socialist policies
Political prisoners were freed from exile
Gorbachev denounced Stalin
Told the people that Socialism had not been established yet in Russia.
Removed corrupt party members from the Brezhnev era and even put a few on trial for corruption.
believed he was democratizing communism, which would make it better then capitalism
Told the people that Socialism had not been established yet in Russia.
Removed corrupt party members from the Brezhnev era and even put a few on trial for corruption.
believed he was democratizing communism, which would make it better then capitalism
Perestroika – 1987Perestroika – 1987
A book that Gorbachev published which means ‘restructuring’.
He used this book to outline his plans for the USSR
A book that Gorbachev published which means ‘restructuring’.
He used this book to outline his plans for the USSR
1.denounced Stalin’s command economy and praised Lenin’s 5 year plans
2.committed to one party and one ideology
3.admitted that the treatment of Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968 was a mistake.
1.denounced Stalin’s command economy and praised Lenin’s 5 year plans
2.committed to one party and one ideology
3.admitted that the treatment of Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968 was a mistake.
4.wanted to rebuild the spirit of detente with the west. He recognized the ‘common human values’ between the East and the West and that political dogma was less important
5.it became clear Gorbachev was committed to reform
4.wanted to rebuild the spirit of detente with the west. He recognized the ‘common human values’ between the East and the West and that political dogma was less important
5.it became clear Gorbachev was committed to reform
1987 – party officials would now be elected, not appointed.
1988 – elected officials allowed to set prices for goods
1987 – party officials would now be elected, not appointed.
1988 – elected officials allowed to set prices for goods
Gorbachev’s biggest victory could be in foreign relations.
The press loved him. Margaret Thatcher said he was a man she ‘could do business’ with.
He met regularly with Reagan to discuss nuclear arms.
Gorbachev’s biggest victory could be in foreign relations.
The press loved him. Margaret Thatcher said he was a man she ‘could do business’ with.
He met regularly with Reagan to discuss nuclear arms.
Gorbachev’s errors 1985-89
Gorbachev’s errors 1985-89
1. anti-alcohol campaign – lost revenue
2. heavily invested in machinery3. glasnost = criticism of economy4. deficit grew annually5. stayed in Afghanistan too long6. local officials continued to
ignore his reforms7. net production did not increase
enough. Only 2% a year.
1. anti-alcohol campaign – lost revenue
2. heavily invested in machinery3. glasnost = criticism of economy4. deficit grew annually5. stayed in Afghanistan too long6. local officials continued to
ignore his reforms7. net production did not increase
enough. Only 2% a year.
1989-1991 – beginning of the collapse
1989-1991 – beginning of the collapse
Gorbachev wanted to create a ‘socialist market economy’, this was very much like NEP were private businesses were owned by groups of people and they flourished.
These stores competed and won against state run stores.
Gorbachev wanted to create a ‘socialist market economy’, this was very much like NEP were private businesses were owned by groups of people and they flourished.
These stores competed and won against state run stores.
Coal miners in the Kuz and Don Basins had been on strike and won a huge pay increase – this raised the expectation of workers across the USSR.
Coal miners in the Kuz and Don Basins had been on strike and won a huge pay increase – this raised the expectation of workers across the USSR.
May 25 – June 9, 1989 – Reform Congress
May 25 – June 9, 1989 – Reform Congress
The newly elected congress in the USSR. Was made up of 3 groups.
One led by Boris Yeltsin, another by Sakharov and the third by traditional communists.
Accomplished nothing by making criticism of the state a national pastime.
The newly elected congress in the USSR. Was made up of 3 groups.
One led by Boris Yeltsin, another by Sakharov and the third by traditional communists.
Accomplished nothing by making criticism of the state a national pastime.
Glasnost allowed writers to openly criticize every aspect of Soviet life, causing the public to despise politicians.
Materials from the West were coming in like Paul McCartney’s albums, books and TV shows
Glasnost allowed writers to openly criticize every aspect of Soviet life, causing the public to despise politicians.
Materials from the West were coming in like Paul McCartney’s albums, books and TV shows
The further from Moscow, the louder the protests.
By 1989 all of the Eastern bloc had separated from the USSR.
1991 The Baltic States also became independent.
The further from Moscow, the louder the protests.
By 1989 all of the Eastern bloc had separated from the USSR.
1991 The Baltic States also became independent.
19901990
so much reform had taken place that the fundamentals laid by Lenin and Stalin were gone. Such as:the one party stateeconomic monopoly of the stateatheism of the Communist PartyIdeological singularityCentralized administration of everything.
so much reform had taken place that the fundamentals laid by Lenin and Stalin were gone. Such as:the one party stateeconomic monopoly of the stateatheism of the Communist PartyIdeological singularityCentralized administration of everything.
Enter YeltsinEnter YeltsinYeltsin was rising in power in 1989-1990.
He was seen as a counter to the Communist-linked Gorbachev.
Yeltsin wanted reform and got his support from the Russian Republic.
Gorbachev was loyal to the communist Party
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-z9wfueMAw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ5S-_RLddQ
Yeltsin was rising in power in 1989-1990.
He was seen as a counter to the Communist-linked Gorbachev.
Yeltsin wanted reform and got his support from the Russian Republic.
Gorbachev was loyal to the communist Party
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R-z9wfueMAw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eZ5S-_RLddQ
Yeltsin invited Gorbachev to leave the party and join Yeltsin’s ranks, Gorbachev refused, causing Yeltsin and his supporters to desert Gorbachev.
Gorbachev was loosing supporters in the Party and government
Yeltsin invited Gorbachev to leave the party and join Yeltsin’s ranks, Gorbachev refused, causing Yeltsin and his supporters to desert Gorbachev.
Gorbachev was loosing supporters in the Party and government
19911991
people of the USSR were worse off then they had been in decades.
People were back to starving. Gorbachev was blamed for their suffering – although he was seen as a hero internationally. The people were proud of the USSR’s history and Gorbachev was attacking it.
people of the USSR were worse off then they had been in decades.
People were back to starving. Gorbachev was blamed for their suffering – although he was seen as a hero internationally. The people were proud of the USSR’s history and Gorbachev was attacking it.
Production declined 18%, energy was also down 10% and the economy was on the brink of collapse.
Gorbachev failed to secure a large international loan to stabilize the economy at the G-7 conference.
Yeltsin heavily criticized him for this.
Production declined 18%, energy was also down 10% and the economy was on the brink of collapse.
Gorbachev failed to secure a large international loan to stabilize the economy at the G-7 conference.
Yeltsin heavily criticized him for this.
Gorbachev also failed in keeping the republics united.
By July the republics were openly opposing his plans and defying his authority.
Gorbachev also failed in keeping the republics united.
By July the republics were openly opposing his plans and defying his authority.
Attempted coup d’etat – August 1991.
Attempted coup d’etat – August 1991.
Gorbachev and his wife went on Vacation and he asked Yeltsin to stay in Moscow
August 19 conspirators announced the ‘State Committee for Emergency Situation’.
The coup was poorly planed and they failed to take hold of the government.
They did not arrest Soviet supporters and had asked Gorbachev to resign nicely. Gorbachev declined.
Gorbachev and his wife went on Vacation and he asked Yeltsin to stay in Moscow
August 19 conspirators announced the ‘State Committee for Emergency Situation’.
The coup was poorly planed and they failed to take hold of the government.
They did not arrest Soviet supporters and had asked Gorbachev to resign nicely. Gorbachev declined.
Yeltsin emerged from these events as a leader.
He had driven on tanks in the streets of Moscow to drive out the Committee and set up barricades around the RSFSR Supreme Soviet Building.
This action would force the coup leaders to use the army on its own people.
Yeltsin emerged from these events as a leader.
He had driven on tanks in the streets of Moscow to drive out the Committee and set up barricades around the RSFSR Supreme Soviet Building.
This action would force the coup leaders to use the army on its own people.
The Coup leaders argued over whether or not to use violence, they disbanded.
Aug 22, Gorbachev returns from Vacation
The Coup leaders argued over whether or not to use violence, they disbanded.
Aug 22, Gorbachev returns from Vacation
Results of the Coup d’etat
Results of the Coup d’etat
Gorbachev now a ‘lame duck’ leader. Yeltsin had saved him and now criticized him openly.
Soviet Army was discreditedYeltsin outlawed the Communist Party in the Russian Republic.
Independence movements around the USSR gained momentum
Gorbachev now a ‘lame duck’ leader. Yeltsin had saved him and now criticized him openly.
Soviet Army was discreditedYeltsin outlawed the Communist Party in the Russian Republic.
Independence movements around the USSR gained momentum
On Dec 1, 1991 the Ukraine voted to leave the USSR.
They created the Commonwealth of Independent states (CIS).
A structure with which Yeltsin was able to dismiss the USSR and Gorbachev.
On Christmas Day, Gorbachev signed documents that would dissolve the USSR by the 31st.
End :)
On Dec 1, 1991 the Ukraine voted to leave the USSR.
They created the Commonwealth of Independent states (CIS).
A structure with which Yeltsin was able to dismiss the USSR and Gorbachev.
On Christmas Day, Gorbachev signed documents that would dissolve the USSR by the 31st.
End :)
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