Gorbachev and the collapse of Soviet control Cambridge IGCSE History revision
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In plain words
In 1985 the Soviet empire looked permanent. Six years later it did not exist. The man who set this off did not mean to. He wanted to repair communism, and he opened a door that could not be shut again.
9 things to know
- Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of the USSR in 1985. He inherited serious problems.
- The Soviet economy was stagnant and could not match the West. The arms race was costing more than the country could afford. The war in Afghanistan, which had begun in 1979, was costly and could not be won.
- Gorbachev introduced two policies. Glasnost means openness: people were allowed to speak more freely and to criticise the government. Perestroika means restructuring: the economy was to be reformed to make it more efficient.
- He sought better relations with the West. He agreed with the USA to reduce nuclear weapons, and withdrew Soviet troops from Afghanistan.
- Most important for eastern Europe, he abandoned the Brezhnev Doctrine. He told the communist leaders there that the Red Army would no longer be sent to keep them in power.
- In 1989 this was put to the test. In Poland, Solidarity won elections. Hungary opened its border with the West, and East Germans poured through it.
- After mass protests in East Germany, the Berlin Wall was opened on 9 November 1989. Communist governments fell in Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Romania. Gorbachev did nothing to stop it.
- Germany was reunited in 1990. The Warsaw Pact was dissolved in 1991, and at the end of that year the USSR itself broke up.
- How far was Gorbachev responsible? His decision not to use force was decisive. But communism was already failing economically, the people of eastern Europe had opposed it for decades, and the pressure of the arms race had been building for years.
Worked example
"Gorbachev was personally responsible for the collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe." How far do you agree? Plan a 10-mark answer.
- Agree: he ended the Brezhnev Doctrine, so governments that had depended on Soviet tanks fell within months. Glasnost encouraged people to demand change.
- Disagree: the economies of the communist states were failing. Opposition such as Solidarity had been growing since 1980. The arms race and Afghanistan had drained the USSR.
- Judgement: the long-term causes made collapse likely, but it was Gorbachev's refusal to use force that decided when and how it happened: quickly, and mostly without bloodshed.
Tips and tricks
- Glasnost is openness. Perestroika is restructuring. Give the meaning each time you use the words.
- Gorbachev did not intend to end communism. His aim was to reform it. That is the central irony, and it earns marks in a judgement.
It lands in your notebook with its questions as flashcards.
Gorbachev and the collapse of Soviet control: 5 questions and answers
These are the quiz’s questions. Do the quiz first, then come back here for the ones that got you.
When did Gorbachev become leader of the USSR?
He was the last Soviet leader.
What does glasnost mean?
People could speak and criticise more freely.
When was the Berlin Wall opened?
It had stood for 28 years.
Which policy did Gorbachev abandon?
Soviet troops would no longer keep communist governments in power.
Why did communist governments in eastern Europe fall so quickly in 1989?Stretch
Without the tanks they had nothing to stand on.
Quiz
5 questions
Tap an answer and you’ll see straight away whether it’s right, and why.
Worksheet
3 questions, 14 marks. Write your answers on paper, then check them.
Gorbachev and the collapse of Soviet control
Cambridge IGCSE History 0470 · 14 marks · papermunch.org
Name ______________________________ Date ______________
What were glasnost and perestroika?[4]
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They were policies introduced by Gorbachev after 1985. Glasnost means openness: people were allowed more freedom to speak and to criticise the government. Perestroika means restructuring: the Soviet economy was to be reformed to make it more efficient.
Why did Gorbachev change Soviet policy towards Eastern Europe?[6]
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The USSR could no longer afford to keep control. Its economy was stagnant, and the arms race and the war in Afghanistan were very expensive. Keeping armies in eastern Europe cost money that he needed for reform at home. He also believed that communism could survive only if people supported it, not by force.
Describe the events of 1989 in Eastern Europe.[4]
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Any four: Solidarity won elections in Poland; Hungary opened its border with the West; mass protests took place in East Germany; the Berlin Wall was opened on 9 November; communist governments fell in Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Romania.
Answers: Gorbachev and the collapse of Soviet control
- 1. They were policies introduced by Gorbachev after 1985. Glasnost means openness: people were allowed more freedom to speak and to criticise the government. Perestroika means restructuring: the Soviet economy was to be reformed to make it more efficient.
- 2. The USSR could no longer afford to keep control. Its economy was stagnant, and the arms race and the war in Afghanistan were very expensive. Keeping armies in eastern Europe cost money that he needed for reform at home. He also believed that communism could survive only if people supported it, not by force.
- 3. Any four: Solidarity won elections in Poland; Hungary opened its border with the West; mass protests took place in East Germany; the Berlin Wall was opened on 9 November; communist governments fell in Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria and Romania.