Mikhail Gorbachev
- After Brezhnev there were two short term leaders in Russia:
- Yuri Andropov 1982-84 (died)
- Konstantin Chernenko 1984-1985 (temporary replacement)
- Gorbachev took over in 1985
- Began “developed socialism” where he wanted to rid the USSR of corruption
- Gorbachev was forced to change his ways after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster
- Parallel to Lenin and Kronstadt mutiny
- Anti-alcohol campaign - cost state in revenue
- Investment in machinery and tool industry with little return
- Glasnost backfired in that people began hoarding common goods
- Deficit grew annually
- He continued the war in Afghanistan too long
- His high ranking officials were based on loyalty rather than reform mindedness
- Yuri Andropov 1982-84 (died)
- Konstantin Chernenko 1984-1985 (temporary replacement)
- Gorbachev took over in 1985
- Began “developed socialism” where he wanted to rid the USSR of corruption
- Gorbachev was forced to change his ways after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster
- Parallel to Lenin and Kronstadt mutiny
- Anti-alcohol campaign - cost state in revenue
- Investment in machinery and tool industry with little return
- Glasnost backfired in that people began hoarding common goods
- Deficit grew annually
- He continued the war in Afghanistan too long
- His high ranking officials were based on loyalty rather than reform mindedness
The last leader of the Soviet Union he had the job of trying to rule a dying empire. With the berlin wall falling while under his command, the chernobyl disaster and the writing of his book, it soon became apparent that the Soviet Union would not be able to survive into the 21st century. Eventually after attempting to ban vodka he stepped down and eventually the Soviet Union with him.