Mikhail Gorbachev
- After Brezhnev (unibrow guy) there were two short term leaders in Russia:
- Yuri Andropov 1982-84 (died)
- Konstantin Chernenko 1984-1985 (temporary replacement)
- Gorbachev took over in 1985
- Began "developed socialism" where he wanted to rid the USSR of corruption
- Gorbachev was forced to change his ways after the 1986 Chernobyl disaster (prompted him to make these changes)
- Parallel to Lenin and Kronstadt Mutiny
Gorbachev's mistakes
- Anti-alcohol campaign- cost state in revenue (taxed their vodka), people were very unhappy
- Russians drink vodka like english drink tea
- Glasnost backfired in that people began hoarding common goods
- Deficit grew annually
- He continued the war in Afghanistan too long
- His high ranking officials were based on loyalty rather than reform mindedness
Summary
There was two different short term leaders in Russia after the Brezhnev. These two short term leaders in Russia were Yuri Andropov and Konstantin Chernenko. Yuri Andropov died and Konstantin Chernenko was replaced. Mikhail Gorbachev took over afterwards in 185 - began "developed socialism." The developed socialism was when he wanted to get rid of the corruption due to the USSR. This goal made Gorbachev forced to change his ways (after the Chernobyl disaster that happened in 1986).