Mikhail Gorbachev and the Fall of the Soviet Union

Mikhail Gorbachev became the Soviet Union's leader in 1985, aiming to revitalize socialism through reforms like Perestroika and Glasnost. His policies led to improved foreign relations but failed economically, sparking independence movements. Political reforms introduced elections, but economic struggles persisted. The August Putsch in 1991 weakened Gorbachev's power, leading to the Soviet Union's dissolution in December 1991.

What was Mikhail Gorbachev's primary goal when he assumed power in 1985?

• To isolate the Soviet Union from the West

• To preserve socialism while resolving economic and political issues

• To increase military spending

• To dismantle the Soviet Union

What were the main components of Gorbachev's reform campaigns?

• Industrialization and collectivization

• Isolationism and protectionism

• Perestroika and Glasnost

• War and conquest

Which significant event marked the easing of tensions between the Soviet Union and the United States?

• Gorbachev's meetings with President Ronald Reagan

• The signing of the Warsaw Pact

• The Cuban Missile Crisis

• The invasion of Afghanistan

What major political change did Gorbachev introduce in 1989?

• The establishment of a monarchy

• The first free elections in Russia in 72 years

• The abolition of the Communist Party

• The creation of a new constitution

What was the outcome of Gorbachev's economic reforms?

• They had no impact on the economy

• They failed, worsening the living standards

• They led to economic prosperity

• They significantly improved the living standards

What was the reaction of Moscow to the popular movements in Soviet republics?

• They sent tanks to suppress the movements

• They ignored the movements

• They supported the movements

• They encouraged independence

Who was gaining importance in the Russian Soviet Federative Republic during the late 1980s?

• Leonid Brezhnev

• Boris Yeltsin

• Nikita Khrushchev

• Vladimir Putin

What was the August Putsch?

• A diplomatic meeting with the US

• A peaceful protest for democracy

• A military parade in Moscow

• A failed coup by reactionary forces

Who signed the Creation Treaty of the Commonwealth of Independent States?

• Vladimir Putin, Boris Yeltsin, and Stanislav Shushkevich

• Boris Yeltsin, Leonid Kravchuk, and Stanislav Shushkevich

• Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, and Leonid Kravchuk

• Mikhail Gorbachev, Vladimir Putin, and Leonid Kravchuk

When was the Soviet Union officially dissolved?

• December 8, 1991

• August 19, 1991

• December 26, 1991

• November 9, 1989