Brezhnev's Stagnation, Gorbachev's Reforms, and the Collapse of the USSR

Flashcards covering Brezhnev's era of stagnation, Gorbachev's political, economic, and foreign policy reforms, and the events leading to the collapse of the USSR.

What years did Leonid Brezhnev rule the Soviet Union?

1964–1982

What were the major characteristics of the Soviet state-centralized command economy under Brezhnev?

State ownership of all property with no private ownership, complete abolition of capitalism, and a primary focus on heavy industrial goods such as machinery and military equipment.

What were the main consequences of the 1929 agricultural collectivization in the Soviet Union?

It led to the targeting of kulaks (fists or enemies of the state), mass famine, a grain crisis, and long-term economic stagnation caused by a lack of worker motivation.

Who were the two Soviet leaders who ruled during the brief period between Brezhnev and Gorbachev?

Yuri Andropov (1982–1984) and Konstantin Chernenko (1984–1984).

What are key facts about Mikhail Gorbachev's background prior to taking power in 1985?

He was Brezhnev's protégé, a relatively young leader in his 50s, born on a collective farm, educated at Moscow University, and a natural diplomat.

How was the policy of 'Perestroika' defined in economic and political terms?

Restructuring/rebuilding the USSR: economically shifting from a state-based to a more market-based economy, and politically liberalizing power to increase citizen participation and shift authority from the Party to the State.

What did the policy of 'Glasnost' entail?

Openness of speech, removal of censorship, greater citizen involvement, and opening state archives to expose the dark history of Russia and the USSR.

What were the four core principles of Gorbachev's foreign policy known as 'New Thinking'?

1) Universal Humanism 2) Freedom of Choice 3) Reasonable Sufficiency 4) Multipolar World

What new legislative body was introduced following the 19th Party Conference as part of Gorbachev's political reforms?

The Congress of People's Deputies.

What major presidential reform took place in March 1990 in the USSR?

Elections were held for President of the USSR, abolishing the primary executive authority of the General Secretary and transforming the USSR into a Presidential Republic.

What were the main economic consequences of Gorbachev's 1987 Anti-Alcohol Campaign?

It led to a significant loss of state revenue (causing inflation) and prompted citizens to illegally brew moonshine in their homes.

Which Soviet republics had the highest degree of nationalism, and why?

The Baltic republics (Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia), because they retained strong national identities from being independent prior to their 1940 annexation.

What was the purpose of the 1991 Novo-Ogorevo Process?

To negotiate with nine republics that wished to stay in the Soviet system to draft a new Union Treaty transforming the USSR federation into a confederation.

Who carried out the August 18, 1991 coup attempt, and what was their main objective?

Conservative Communist hard-liners known as the putschists or the State Committee for Emergency (GKChP), who wanted to stop the Union Treaty and preserve the centralized power of the USSR.

What are the four historical explanations for the meaning of the August 1991 coup?

1) A fight between Communists and Anticommunists 2) An attempt to prevent the signing of the Union Treaty to avoid Soviet disintegration 3) Personal motives of the putschists 4) An attempt to end dual power

What three factors are cited as key causes for the collapse of the USSR?

1) Decentralization and institutional disintegration ('stealing the state') 2) Nationalistic movements in the republics 3) Seizure of power by republican elites (such as Boris Yeltsin)

What agreement terminated the USSR in December 1991, and who made it?

The agreement made in Belovezhskaia Pushcha by the leaders of the Russian Federation (Yeltsin), Ukraine (Kravchuk), and Belorussia (Shusbkevich).