Economic, political and social policies under Gorbachev: impact of Chernobyl; attempts at economic restructuring and the outcome; the attempt to democratise the Soviet political system and its outcome; main political reforms
Gorbachev tried to save the Soviet Union by reforming its broken economy and opening up its political system. His reforms went further than he intended and helped destroy the state he wanted to rescue.
Real World
The 1986 Chernobyl disaster became the defining proof of glasnost's power and limits: Gorbachev eventually allowed open reporting of the meltdown, but only after a weeks-long cover-up — exposing exactly the culture of secrecy that his reforms were supposed to end.
Exam Focus
Distinguish clearly between intended and unintended consequences of Gorbachev's reforms; examiners expect analysis of why outcomes diverged from aims.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
How well did you know this?