Question by tajamariee: What prompted Gorbachev to undertake the massive effort at perestroika and glasnost beginning in 1987?
What were his intentions and achievements for his programs in politics, economics and society? And what were the consequences by 1991?
Answers and Views:
Answer by Rt. Hon. Lord Chapman
His intentions were to rule Europe with an iron fist. Unfortunately his fist was glass.
Sincerely,
The Rt. Hon. Lord Chapman,
Principality of Sealand
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David_the_Great says
He realized that he can't catch up to the United States.
DTG
Moo says
Many factors, but I would point to the war in Afghanistan bankrupting the Soviet Economy. They really couldn't afford to fight the cold war OR that pointless conflict. We could learn a thing or two from their experience. AT that point, Gorbachev had no choice but to move to a free market system.
The Moth lives says
He was Ronald Reagan's B word.