Impact of the Nationalist Resurgence

National Resurgence

National sentiment

reforms affecting nationalism

impact of Gorbachev’s purges

National Sentiment

There were 15 Republics in the Soviet Union. These consisted of various national and ethnic groups

Reforms affecting nationalism

The late 1980s and early 1990s were characterised by increased nationalism alongside extensive reforms. This phenomenon arguably contributed to the fall of the Soviet Union.

Impact of Gorbachev's purges

After Gorbachev’s purges, he frequently replaced the local supporters who had worked for Brezhnev with his own supporters, who were usually ethnic Russians.

At the top, Gorbachev’s Politburo only had one member who was not Russian. This led to discontent in the regions of the Soviet Union.

When the Russian leaders took over, this coincided with a decline in living standards in the Republics. People blamed the Russian leaders for these economic problems.

Glasnost and Nationalism

Glasnosts impacts on citizens

nationalism

activism

impact of nationalist movements

Glasnost impact on citizens

Glasnost was the policy of ‘openness’ under Gorbachev.

Because the government revealed Stalin’s poor treatment of national minorities, many were very angry.

Soviet citizens also became increasingly aware of how bad their living conditions were compared to those in the West.

Nationalism

Nationalist groups in the regions could publish anti-Russian material more freely and demanded more freedom.

Activism

There were protests against the regime in 1988 in Azerbaijan and in 1989 Uzbeks killed Meskhetians, members of a Muslim minority group, while protests erupted in Georgia.

Environmental activism gathered pace following the explosion at Chernobyl.

In the Baltic states, popular resistance fronts developed as people sought their independence.

Impact of nationalist movements

Nationalist movements showed how unpopular the Communist Party and the USSR were becoming. Soviet forces were accused of either using too much force or not doing enough in different areas where violence erupted.