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2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000

Andropov, Chernenko and the Rise of Gorbachev

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Overview

Recall questions on Andropov's background and limited reforms, Chernenko's brief leadership and what it symbolised, the emergence of reformers in the party and Gorbachev's rise to General Secretary.

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Key term

When did Yuri Andropov succeed Brezhnev and what was his background?

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

  1. 1

    When did Yuri Andropov succeed Brezhnev and what was his background?

    Model answer

    November 1982; he had previously headed the KGB.

  2. 2

    What reforms did Andropov attempt as Soviet leader?

    Model answer

    Limited reforms including anti-corruption campaigns and labour discipline measures.

  3. 3

    Why were Andropov's reforms limited in their impact?

    Model answer

    They focused on efficiency and discipline rather than structural change, and were cut short by his death in February 1984 after only fifteen months in power.

  4. 4

    Who succeeded Andropov and what characterised his leadership?

    Model answer

    Konstantin Chernenko in February 1984; he was elderly and in poor health, representing a return to Brezhnevite stagnation with no significant reforms.

  5. 5

    What did Chernenko's brief leadership symbolise about the Soviet system?

    Model answer

    The gerontocracy problem, with aged leaders unable to address mounting economic and social crises; he served only thirteen months.

  6. 6

    What emerged within the Communist Party during the early 1980s regarding reform?

    Model answer

    A younger generation of reformers who recognised the need for fundamental change to address economic decline and technological backwardness.

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