Gorbachev's reforms backfired

Gorbachev's reforms did not fix the economy quickly, and new freedom to speak let people attack the system itself.

Mikhail Gorbachev became Soviet leader in 1985. He wanted to improve the socialist system, not abolish it. Perestroika means restructuring. Factories got more freedom to make decisions, and some cooperatives, businesses run jointly by their members, were allowed in areas like shops and services. The aim was to encourage initiative and raise production.

But some controls loosened while other rules stayed confusing, officials resisted change, and shortages continued. More freedom on paper did not quickly put better goods in shops.

Glasnost means openness. Censorship, government control over what could be published and discussed, was reduced. People could now criticise past repression, corruption and current failures. Political reforms also weakened the Communist Party's monopoly, its sole hold on power. Gorbachev hoped criticism would help fix problems. Instead, it also helped people organise demands to change the whole system. In republics such as Ukraine, movements for more self-rule gained a wider hearing.

The two policies fed each other. Shortages gave people reasons to complain; openness let them complain publicly and organise. Hardliners who wanted strong central control accused Gorbachev of weakening socialism. Reformers who wanted faster change said he was achieving too little. Attacked from both sides, he lost authority. So a planned rescue helped cause a breakdown, even though that was never his aim.

1985

Gorbachev becomes Soviet leader.

Perestroika

Restructuring the economy.

Glasnost

Openness and less censorship.