Question

How can Gorbachev's reforms be held responsible for the disintegration of the Soviet Union in 1991 ? Support your answer with three arguments.

Hint:

Name perestroika and glasnost.
Give three arguments: loss of party control, nationalism in the republics and the economic crisis.

Answer 1

Step 1: Background:
Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Soviet Union in 1985. He tried to reform the system through perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness).
These reforms helped to bring the break-up in 1991. Three arguments follow.

Step 2: Argument 1: Loss of control through glasnost:
Glasnost allowed open criticism of the system and the party.
People began to speak against the government and the republics gave voice to their demands for freedom. The hold of the centre became weak.

Step 3: Argument 2: Hope for change in East Europe:
Gorbachev gave up the use of force in East Europe. In 1989 the Berlin Wall fell and communist governments collapsed.
This encouraged Baltic and other republics to demand independence.

Step 4: Argument 3: Weak economy and weak party:
Perestroika brought no quick gain, and shortages of goods grew.
People lost faith in the Communist Party. The 1991 coup by hardliners failed, but it ended the power of the centre, and Boris Yeltsin gained strength.

Step 5: Conclusion:
Reform was needed, but its speed and result left the Union without control.

Final Answer:
Gorbachev reforms are held responsible because glasnost reduced the control of the centre, the fall of communism in East Europe spurred the republics, and a weak economy with the failed coup broke the Union in 1991.