At first, Gorbachev was relatively unknown ________ he soon gave an indication that he wished to reform society.

His key policy, Glasnost, involved freedom of religious expression and individual liberties __________ it prepared the way for democracy.

He was unpopular in Russia ______ he had a role in the breakup of the Soviet Union.

He was unpopular in Russia for his perceived role in the breakup of the Soviet Union ________ he remains an influential voice.

Gorbachev didn’t like Putin’s third term as Russian President _______ did he like the democratic deficit in the 2011 elections.

Michelangelo Buonarroti was an Italian Renaissance sculptor, painter, poet and architect; ________ , he is one of the most influential Western artists of all

time.

Michelangelo learned some of the basic painting techniques with Ghirlandaio, the leading fresco wall painter in Florence; ______ , he taught himself new

skills such as sculpting.

Michelangelo Buonarroti was born on 6 March 1475, in a Florentine village called

Caprese. His father was a serving magistrate of the Florentine Republic and came from an important family; _______, Michelangelo did not wish to imitate his

father’s career and was attracted to the artistic world.

His first patrons, the de’ Medicis, lost power; ______, Michelangelo was forced to go elsewhere for commissions.

Michelangelo was a contemporary of the other sublime artist of his generation, the genius Leonardo da Vinci; _____, with Michelangelo’s short temper and pride, the two had a difficult relationship.