Gorbachev's Reforms in the USSR

Mikhail Gorbachev initiated significant reforms in the USSR under glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) to improve the economy and society. Glasnost allowed freedom of speech and media, while perestroika aimed to decentralize the economy. Boris Yeltsin emerged as a reformist leader in Moscow, gaining popularity but clashing with party hardliners. His eventual dismissal highlighted the challenges Gorbachev faced. Gorbachev's democratic reforms led to the creation of a new Congress, marking a shift towards more direct public involvement in governance.

What were the twin slogans introduced by Gorbachev to reshape Soviet society?

• Glasnost and Perestroika

• Communism and Socialism

• Reform and Openness

• Democracy and Freedom

What does 'Perestroika' mean?

• Openness

• Freedom

• Democracy

• Restructuring

What was the main goal of Glasnost?

• To restructure the economy

• To increase state control

• To promote international trade

• To allow people to speak freely and question the past

Who was one of Gorbachev's first appointments to bring new ideas into the government?

• Leonid Brezhnev

• Vladimir Putin

• Nikita Khrushchev

• Boris Yeltsin

Why did Boris Yeltsin become popular among the people?

• He rejected the existing party and economic system

• He supported the hardliners

• He increased state control

• He promoted international trade

What was the reaction of senior party members to Yeltsin's popularity?

• They disliked him

• They promoted him

• They supported him

• They ignored him

What event marked Yeltsin's public humiliation?

• His appointment as head of the Moscow Communist Party

• His election to the new Congress

• His sacking in November 1987

• His promotion to minister of construction

What was Gorbachev's major mistake regarding Yeltsin?

• Keeping him in Moscow with connections

• Promoting him to a higher position

• Sending him to Portugal

• Ignoring his actions

What significant change did Gorbachev propose in the summer of 1988?

• A new trade agreement

• A new military strategy

• A new Congress of People's Deputies

• A new economic plan

What was the immediate effect of the vote for the new Congress?

• The military was restructured

• The economy improved

• Many delegates lost their jobs

• International relations improved