1. Aim: Discuss Mikhail Gorbachev and his Reforms

2. Gorbachev Moves Toward Democracy
Soviet premier Brezhnev & the Politburo (ruling committee of Communist Party) crushed all political disagreement
1982: After Brezhnev’s death, the Politburo debated between 2 men to lead
Mikhail Gorbachev became the party’s new general secretary
Unlike other Soviet leaders, Gorbachev decided to pursue new ideas 2

3. Glasnost Promotes Openness
Past Soviet leaders had created a totalitarian state
Gorbachev realized that economic & social reforms could not occur without a free flow of ideas & information
1985: Announced a policy known as glasnost (openness)
Brought remarkable changes
Government allowed churches to open
Released dissidents from prison
Allowed publication of books by banned authors
Reporters investigated problems & criticized officials 3

4. Reforming the Economy & Politics
Gorbachev blamed economic problems on inefficient system of central planning
Party officials told farm & factory mangers how much to produce, what wages to pay, & what prices to charge
1985: Gorbachev introduced idea of perestroika (economic restructuring)
Managers gained greater authority over farms & factories
People were allowed to open small private businesses
Goal was to make economic system more efficient & productive
Gorbachev knew that Communist party needed to loosen grip on Soviet Society
1987: Gorbachev unveiled Democratization
Called for election of new legislative body 4

5. Foreign Policy Soviet foreign policy also changed
Gorbachev realized that the Soviet economy could not afford the costly arms race
December 1987: Gorbachev & US President Ronald Reagan signed the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty (INF)
Treaty banned nuclear missiles with ranges of 300 to 3,400 miles 5