GORBACHEV’S ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL REFORMS AND THE DISINTEGRATION

OF USSRPresented by:Quratulain AliMaheen Raza

PRE-REFORM ENVIRONMENT

O Before 1985,government of soviet union was communist in name.

O Government reflected more of a dictatorship style of government.

O Citizens were highly controlled.O Political and social freedom were

minimal.O Press was not free.O In this environment reform became

necessary.

GORBACHEV’S EFFORTO Came to power in 1985.O Last president of Soviet Union.O Implemented policies to bring

individual freedom and economic and political change .

O Introduced “Perestroika” and “Glasnost”.

PERESTROIKAO Reconstruction of economic system.O First reform was alcohol reform. Prices on alcohol were raised. Sale was restricted. Drinking was banned. Wineries were destroyed. It was serious blow to state budget. Black market flourished.

Continue…OAllowed semi-private business to

function.Goal was to create semi-free market.O Industrial units started to reconstruct“Aeroflot-the soviet airline was split

into number of independent companies

GLASNOSTOOpennessOSocial and political reforms.OTo make government

transparent.OTo increase accessibility to

affairs of government.OEase censorship laws.

Continue…OElections were introduced.OCitizens were given freedom of

speech.OCriticism was allowed.O Improved Soviet-USA relations.OEnd of cold war.

AFTERMATHOAlcohol reform:Initial triggerForced underground alcohol

production.Mafia took control.OLeasing of land:Lands were given on lease to

farmersLimited number of private

enterprises were opened

Continue…OFreedom to mediaDecreased censoring of media

(Glasnost).Writers exposed corruption of

government.It created panic in people.People became outspoken.Increased social protests.

Continue…OEconomic policy:Government spending increased

to support non profitable enterprises.

Tax revenues decreasedState deficit grew from 0 to 109

rubles.Gold funds decreased from 2000

to 200 tons.External debt grew from 0 to 120

billion dollars.

Continue…OPolitical reforms:OPolicy made soviet more of a

modern nation.OLead to collapse of strict

government

Continue…OBaltic Region:Soviet states began to rebelFirst state to demand freedom was

Baltic.Government started feeling pressure.OAttempt to take over government:Soviet hardliners decided to take

action.Kidnapped Gorbachev.Citizens protested.

Continue…Military was called but it

refused.Takeover failed, Gorbachev

failed to re-establish control and USSR disintegrated.

DISINTEGRATIONO24th december,1991.OGorbachev resigned after

disintegrationOSoviet Union divided into 15 states.

Continue…O RUSSIA

O AZERBAIJANO TAJIKISTAN

O TURMENISTANO KAZAKHSTANO KYRGYSTANO UZBEKISTAN

O ARMENIAO BELARUSO ESTONIAO GEORGIAO LATVIA

O LITHUANIAO MOLDOVAO UKRAINE