Mikhail Gorbachev's New Thinking and Reforms

The video discusses Mikhail Gorbachev's rise to power in 1985 amidst a struggling Soviet economy and a series of short-lived leaders. It highlights his major reforms, glasnost and perestroika, aimed at increasing openness and restructuring the economy. Gorbachev's foreign policy included reducing arms spending and ending Soviet interference in Eastern Europe. However, these reforms had mixed consequences, leading to increased public awareness of Western prosperity and questioning of the Soviet system. Despite some economic recovery, Gorbachev's ideas faced challenges and did not fully materialize.

What was one of the main reasons behind Gorbachev's new thinking?

• The end of the Cold War

• The revolving door of Soviet leaders

• The stability of Soviet leadership

• The success of the Soviet economy

Who replaced Brezhnev after his death in 1982?

• Nikita Khrushchev

• Yuri Andropov

• Mikhail Gorbachev

• Leonid Brezhnev

What does 'glasnost' mean in the context of Gorbachev's reforms?

• Openness

• Economic recovery

• Restructuring

• Military expansion

What was the primary goal of 'perestroika'?

• Expanding Soviet territory

• Introducing free market ideas

• Restructuring the Soviet political system

• Increasing military spending

Which doctrine did Gorbachev abandon to allow more freedom to satellite states?

• Truman Doctrine

• Eisenhower Doctrine

• Monroe Doctrine

• Brezhnev Doctrine

What was one of Gorbachev's aims in signing treaties and agreements?

• To isolate the Soviet Union

• To end the arms race

• To increase Soviet military spending

• To expand Soviet influence in Western Europe

What was a significant consequence of glasnost for the Soviet people?

• Increased censorship

• Greater awareness of the Western world

• Military expansion

• Economic isolation

How did perestroika impact the Soviet economy?

• It led to complete economic collapse

• It had no effect

• It caused a minor recession

• It led to some economic recovery

What challenge did Gorbachev face despite his reforms?

• No opposition from the public

• Total economic prosperity

• Complete acceptance of his ideas

• His ideas never fully coming to fruition

What was the main focus of Gorbachev's new thinking?

• Economic isolation

• Military expansion

• Reforms and openness

• Cultural revolution