An Analysis Of The Collapse Of The Soviet Union

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An investigation of the Soviet Union collapse: To what extent did Gorbachev’s policies of Perestroika and Glasnost lead to the internal collapse of the Soviet Union?

Jason Less
History Internal Assessment (HL)
February 21, 2014
Word Count:

To what extent did Gorbachev’s policies of perestroika and glasnost lead to the internal collapse of the Soviet Union?

Section A: Plan of Investigation

The purpose of this investigation is to evaluate Gorbachev’s two main policies of reformation, glasnost and perestroika, in the Soviet Union during the Cold War and to assess if the policies were significant or vital to the internal collapse of the Soviet Union.

This investigation was completed by a:
• Reading from an online internet article in an encyclopedia
• Use of internet articles about Gorbachev and his policies of reformation, as well as a book source: The Rise and Fall of Communism by Archie Brown
• Use of a primary source: “The Collapse of the Soviet Union” by James Graham

The following section will present factual materials from sources used with references as well. The next section will evaluate the two most important sources used in this investigation with the origin, purpose, value, and limitations stated for each source. This section will be followed by an analysis of the issues regarding Gorbachev’s policies of reformation and an awareness of the topic. Finally, a conclusion will be drawn stating how important the policies of glasnost and perestroika were to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Section B: Summary of Evidence

In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev became the General Secretary of the Communist Party in the Soviet Union. Gorbachev held this position from 1985 to 1991. Gorbachev’s influence and l...

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Gorbachev’s policies of perestroika and glasnost were very important in bringing about the collapse of the Soviet Union. These policies led to many internal problems and social unrest of the Soviet people. These policies led to the increase in nationalism and the freedom that led the people to openly criticize the Soviet government.
Section F: Bibliography

Internet

“The Gorbachev Era: Perestroika and Glasnost.” Encyclopedia Britannica. 03 Dec. 2013 http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/513251/Russia/38564/The-Gorbachev-era-perestroika-and-glasnost

Graham, James. “The Collapse of the Soviet Union.” Today in History, Birthdays & History Articles. 03 December. 2013 http://www.historyorb.com/referencing.php

“Perestroika: The Word That Changed the World.” RT News. 27 Jan. 2012. 03 Dec. 2013 http://rt.com/news/soviet-union-gorbachev-perestroika-799/

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