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Britain & the wider world: 1745 -1901
1l the quest for political stability: germany, 1871-1991
The cold war
Inter-war germany
Medieval period: 1066 -1509
2d religious conflict and the church in england, c1529-c1570
2o democracy and nazism: germany, 1918-1945
1f industrialisation and the people: britain, c1783-1885
1c the tudors: england, 1485-1603
2m wars and welfare: britain in transition, 1906-1957
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2s the making of modern britain, 1951-2007
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7
1
Amelia
19/12/2025
History
Gorbachev: reasons for the collapse of the Soviet Union
234
•
19 Dec 2025
•
Amelia
@amelia.21
Gorbachev's reforms in the 1980s completely transformed the Soviet Union,... Show more
When Gorbachev became General Secretary in 1985, he knew the Soviet Union desperately needed change. His ambitious goals included revitalising the economy, reforming corrupt officials, ending widespread cynicism, and allowing intellectual freedom - quite a tall order for a communist leader!
Glasnost (openness) became his most famous policy from 1986 onwards. This meant loosening media restrictions, allowing intellectuals to speak freely, and even letting citizens listen to foreign radio broadcasts. Previously banned books, films, and plays suddenly appeared in shops, including a shocking 1986 film that openly criticised Stalin's terror campaigns.
The political changes were equally dramatic. By 1989, citizens could actually vote in multi-candidate elections - imagine that! Though communists still won about 80% of seats, five high-ranking party officials were defeated, showing that people were ready for change. Yeltsin emerged as a major opposition figure, winning 89% of votes in Moscow.
Key Point: Glasnost accidentally unleashed forces that Gorbachev couldn't control, as people began demanding real democracy rather than just reformed communism.
Meanwhile, nationalist movements exploded across the Soviet Union's 15 republics. The 1989 Tbilisi Massacre in Georgia and ongoing tensions in the Baltic states showed that many regions wanted complete independence, not just reform.
Gorbachev's economic reforms, called perestroika (restructuring), proved to be an absolute disaster. His initial attempts at rationalisation - like the disastrous anti-alcohol campaign that cost 67 billion roubles - showed he was out of his depth with economic policy.
The transformation phase aimed to create a completely free market, but this backfired spectacularly. Output declined by one-fifth, oil production fell 9%, and steel production dropped 12%. By 1991, the Soviet economy was essentially bankrupt, with widespread rationing and shortages.
However, it's unfair to blame Gorbachev entirely. The command economy had been declining since the 1960s - growth rates fell from 7.1% in the early Soviet period to just 0.6% in the 1980s. The system was already broken, spending 12-17% of GDP on weapons whilst machinery sat unused.
Reality Check: Gorbachev inherited an economy that was already failing - his reforms just exposed how rotten the system had become.
The August 1991 coup attempt by hardliners was the final nail in the coffin. When it failed, Yeltsin emerged triumphant, the Communist Party was banned, and by December 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist. Gorbachev had succeeded in ending the Cold War and avoiding massive bloodshed, but at the cost of destroying the very system he'd tried to save.
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The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Amelia
@amelia.21
Gorbachev's reforms in the 1980s completely transformed the Soviet Union, but not quite in the way he intended. His policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) aimed to revitalise the crumbling communist system, yet ultimately led to its spectacular collapse... Show more
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When Gorbachev became General Secretary in 1985, he knew the Soviet Union desperately needed change. His ambitious goals included revitalising the economy, reforming corrupt officials, ending widespread cynicism, and allowing intellectual freedom - quite a tall order for a communist leader!
Glasnost (openness) became his most famous policy from 1986 onwards. This meant loosening media restrictions, allowing intellectuals to speak freely, and even letting citizens listen to foreign radio broadcasts. Previously banned books, films, and plays suddenly appeared in shops, including a shocking 1986 film that openly criticised Stalin's terror campaigns.
The political changes were equally dramatic. By 1989, citizens could actually vote in multi-candidate elections - imagine that! Though communists still won about 80% of seats, five high-ranking party officials were defeated, showing that people were ready for change. Yeltsin emerged as a major opposition figure, winning 89% of votes in Moscow.
Key Point: Glasnost accidentally unleashed forces that Gorbachev couldn't control, as people began demanding real democracy rather than just reformed communism.
Meanwhile, nationalist movements exploded across the Soviet Union's 15 republics. The 1989 Tbilisi Massacre in Georgia and ongoing tensions in the Baltic states showed that many regions wanted complete independence, not just reform.
Access to all documents
Improve your grades
Join milions of students
By signing up you accept Terms of Service and Privacy Policy
Gorbachev's economic reforms, called perestroika (restructuring), proved to be an absolute disaster. His initial attempts at rationalisation - like the disastrous anti-alcohol campaign that cost 67 billion roubles - showed he was out of his depth with economic policy.
The transformation phase aimed to create a completely free market, but this backfired spectacularly. Output declined by one-fifth, oil production fell 9%, and steel production dropped 12%. By 1991, the Soviet economy was essentially bankrupt, with widespread rationing and shortages.
However, it's unfair to blame Gorbachev entirely. The command economy had been declining since the 1960s - growth rates fell from 7.1% in the early Soviet period to just 0.6% in the 1980s. The system was already broken, spending 12-17% of GDP on weapons whilst machinery sat unused.
Reality Check: Gorbachev inherited an economy that was already failing - his reforms just exposed how rotten the system had become.
The August 1991 coup attempt by hardliners was the final nail in the coffin. When it failed, Yeltsin emerged triumphant, the Communist Party was banned, and by December 1991, the Soviet Union ceased to exist. Gorbachev had succeeded in ending the Cold War and avoiding massive bloodshed, but at the cost of destroying the very system he'd tried to save.
Our AI Companion is a student-focused AI tool that offers more than just answers. Built on millions of Knowunity resources, it provides relevant information, personalised study plans, quizzes, and content directly in the chat, adapting to your individual learning journey.
You can download the app from Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
That's right! Enjoy free access to study content, connect with fellow students, and get instant help – all at your fingertips.
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Transform this note into: ✓ 50+ Practice Questions ✓ Interactive Flashcards ✓ Full Mock Exam ✓ Essay Outlines
Explore the evolution of political governance in Russia from the Emancipation of the Serfs in 1861 to the establishment of the Soviet regime. This summary covers key reforms by Tsars Alexander II and III, the introduction of the Zemstva and Duma, and the impact of the October Revolution and Civil War. Ideal for students studying Russian history, this resource highlights significant changes in local government, the role of the secret police, and the dynamics of autocracy and democracy. Type: Summary.
HistoryThis essay plan critically assesses Lenin's leadership following the November Revolution of 1917, exploring both his successes and failures. Key topics include the establishment of a repressive regime, the impact of War Communism, and the Civil War victories. Ideal for OCR A-Level History students studying Russia 1894-1941.
HistoryExplore the complexities of Lenin's rule in Russia, including the transition from War Communism to the New Economic Policy (NEP), the role of the Cheka, and the suppression of political opposition. This summary covers key events and ideologies that shaped Lenin's leadership during the Russian Civil War and beyond, making it essential for A-Level students studying Russia and its rulers.
HistoryExplore the effectiveness of Bolshevik opposition to the Provisional Government during the Russian Revolutions of 1917. This summary covers key events such as the Kornilov Affair, the July Days, and the October Revolution, highlighting Lenin's leadership and the role of the Petrograd Soviet. Ideal for A-level History students seeking to understand the dynamics of revolutionary politics in Russia.
HistoryApp Store
Google Play
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
The app is very easy to use and well designed. I have found everything I was looking for so far and have been able to learn a lot from the presentations! I will definitely use the app for a class assignment! And of course it also helps a lot as an inspiration.
Stefan S
iOS user
This app is really great. There are so many study notes and help [...]. My problem subject is French, for example, and the app has so many options for help. Thanks to this app, I have improved my French. I would recommend it to anyone.
Samantha Klich
Android user
Wow, I am really amazed. I just tried the app because I've seen it advertised many times and was absolutely stunned. This app is THE HELP you want for school and above all, it offers so many things, such as workouts and fact sheets, which have been VERY helpful to me personally.
Anna
iOS user
Best app on earth! no words because it’s too good
Thomas R
iOS user
Just amazing. Let's me revise 10x better, this app is a quick 10/10. I highly recommend it to anyone. I can watch and search for notes. I can save them in the subject folder. I can revise it any time when I come back. If you haven't tried this app, you're really missing out.
Basil
Android user
This app has made me feel so much more confident in my exam prep, not only through boosting my own self confidence through the features that allow you to connect with others and feel less alone, but also through the way the app itself is centred around making you feel better. It is easy to navigate, fun to use, and helpful to anyone struggling in absolutely any way.
David K
iOS user
The app's just great! All I have to do is enter the topic in the search bar and I get the response real fast. I don't have to watch 10 YouTube videos to understand something, so I'm saving my time. Highly recommended!
Sudenaz Ocak
Android user
In school I was really bad at maths but thanks to the app, I am doing better now. I am so grateful that you made the app.
Greenlight Bonnie
Android user
very reliable app to help and grow your ideas of Maths, English and other related topics in your works. please use this app if your struggling in areas, this app is key for that. wish I'd of done a review before. and it's also free so don't worry about that.
Rohan U
Android user
I know a lot of apps use fake accounts to boost their reviews but this app deserves it all. Originally I was getting 4 in my English exams and this time I got a grade 7. I didn’t even know about this app three days until the exam and it has helped A LOT. Please actually trust me and use it as I’m sure you too will see developments.
Xander S
iOS user
THE QUIZES AND FLASHCARDS ARE SO USEFUL AND I LOVE THE SCHOOLGPT. IT ALSO IS LITREALLY LIKE CHATGPT BUT SMARTER!! HELPED ME WITH MY MASCARA PROBLEMS TOO!! AS WELL AS MY REAL SUBJECTS ! DUHHH 😍😁😲🤑💗✨🎀😮
Elisha
iOS user
This apps acc the goat. I find revision so boring but this app makes it so easy to organize it all and then you can ask the freeeee ai to test yourself so good and you can easily upload your own stuff. highly recommend as someone taking mocks now
Paul T
iOS user
Sociology