Тема 4: Последние годы СССР – М.С. Горбачёв (1985-1991) — Edexcel A-Level Russian
Test yourself on Тема 4: Последние годы СССР – М.С. Горбачёв (1985-1991) with PEARSON EDEXCEL A-Level practice questions.
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Тема 4: Последние годы СССР – М.С. Горбачёв (1985-1991) explained
Perestroika was Gorbachev's programme of restructuring launched from 1985.
Read the full explanation
A strong answer explains what caused it, what economic changes it brought and what outcomes followed, all within the Soviet context of 1985-1991. Causes include the slowdown of the planned economy, poor productivity and quality, the burden of military spending, the need to modernise technology and the desire to revive socialism rather than abandon it. Economic changes include greater enterprise autonomy, the law on state enterprises, cooperatives and moves towards market elements. Outcomes include shortages, inflation, falling output, growing public dissatisfaction and the deepening crisis that contributed to the collapse of the USSR in 1991. Use specific measures and their consequences, and link cause to change to result.
Your focus
- Explain the causes that led Gorbachev to introduce perestroika.
- Describe the main economic changes introduced under perestroika.
- Evaluate the outcomes of perestroika and link them to the collapse of the USSR in 1991.
Тема 4: Последние годы СССР – М.С. Горбачёв (1985-1991) exam tips
Marking Points
- Explains the economic and political pressures inside the USSR that prompted perestroika, such as slow growth, poor productivity and the cost of military competition.
- Describes concrete economic changes, for example greater autonomy for state enterprises, the legalisation of cooperatives and the introduction of market elements.
- Traces outcomes of the reforms, including shortages, inflation, declining output and rising public discontent.
- Links the economic results of perestroika to the wider political crisis and the dissolution of the USSR in 1991.
- Uses accurate Soviet examples and dates within 1985-1991 to support each stage of the argument.
Examiner Tips
- 💡Structure the answer around the three prompts: causes, economic changes, outcomes, so every clause is covered.
- 💡Name specific measures and dates to show precise knowledge rather than general statements.
- 💡Finish by connecting the economic outcomes to the political end of the USSR in 1991.
Common Mistakes
- Treating perestroika as only a political liberalisation programme. Correction: distinguish perestroika as economic restructuring and glasnost as openness, while showing how they interacted.
- Presenting the reforms as an immediate success. Correction: explain the unintended consequences, such as shortages and inflation, that followed.
- Confusing perestroika with earlier Soviet reforms outside 1985-1991. Correction: keep the discussion within Gorbachev's period and use earlier material only as background.