Mikhail Gorbachev
Notes:
- 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
SUMMARY :
New communist leader of soviet union, called his political ideology "developed socialism" nuclear reactors had become old and faulty. Thought that more money had to be put into nuclear program.
Quotes:
On the day I became Soviet leader, in March 1985, I had a special meeting with the leaders of the Warsaw Pact countries and told them: 'You are independent, and we are independent. You are responsible for your policies, we are responsible for ours. We will not intervene in your affairs, I promise you.'
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev