Perestroika

Definition

Perestroika, meaning 'restructuring' in Russian, refers to a series of political and economic reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s aimed at revitalizing the Soviet economy and society. These reforms sought to introduce elements of market economics, reduce central planning, and encourage greater transparency and openness in government operations, ultimately impacting various aspects of Soviet life and the broader geopolitical landscape.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Perestroika was introduced in 1985 as part of Gorbachev's vision to revitalize the stagnant Soviet economy by incorporating limited market reforms.
2. The reforms allowed for some private ownership and decentralized economic decision-making, aiming to increase efficiency and productivity within state enterprises.
3. Perestroika led to increased political freedoms and social movements as citizens began to voice their dissatisfaction with the government, contributing to rising dissent.
4. The Chernobyl disaster in 1986 highlighted the need for reform as it revealed serious flaws in government transparency and response, further eroding public trust.
5. Ultimately, perestroika's inability to deliver immediate economic improvement or political stability contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Review Questions

• How did perestroika influence the economic structure of the Soviet Union during Gorbachev's leadership?
  • Perestroika influenced the Soviet economy by introducing market-oriented reforms that encouraged private ownership and decentralized economic planning. This restructuring aimed to improve productivity and efficiency but faced resistance from hardline communists who preferred maintaining strict state control. The attempts at reform created confusion and instability within the existing system, highlighting the challenges of transitioning from a planned economy to one with more market elements.
• Evaluate the impact of glasnost on public opinion during the period of perestroika and how it shaped citizen responses.
  • Glasnost had a profound impact on public opinion by promoting greater freedom of expression and access to information. As citizens became more aware of government failures and social issues through open discussions, they began to demand more accountability from their leaders. This growing dissatisfaction fostered a climate of dissent that complemented perestroika's economic reforms, ultimately leading many individuals to call for broader political change beyond economic restructuring.
• Analyze the relationship between perestroika and the events leading up to the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991.
  • Perestroika's introduction set off a chain reaction that ultimately led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. While intended to rejuvenate the economy, it instead exposed deep-seated issues within Soviet governance, such as inefficiencies and corruption. The simultaneous push for glasnost allowed citizens to criticize their government openly, amplifying calls for independence in various republics. As these movements gained momentum, they further destabilized the central authority, culminating in the dissolution of the USSR in December 1991.

Related terms

glasnost: Glasnost, meaning 'openness,' was a policy introduced by Gorbachev alongside perestroika that aimed to increase transparency in government institutions and promote freedom of expression.

Gorbachev: Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, whose policies of perestroika and glasnost were crucial in transforming Soviet society and ultimately led to the dissolution of the USSR.

Cold War: The Cold War was a period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States from the end of World War II until the early 1990s, during which perestroika played a significant role in reducing tensions.