Mikhail Gorbachev and the Collapse of Communism

Mikhail Gorbachev paved the way for the end of communism by introducing the ideas of Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (economic restructuring). The definition of glasnost is the policy of maximal publicity openness and transparency in the activities of all government institutions in the Soviet Union. The definition of Perestroika is economic restructuring or reform in the Soviet Union introduced by the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev in 1987. In his policy called Glasnost, Gorbachev encouraged Soviet citizens to embrace change, discuss and find ways to improve their society. His government allowed churches to open, released dissidents of the previous government, and allowed the publication of books that were banned before. Gorbachev also allowed reporters to freely criticize the government and its officials. His Perestroika allowed Soviet citizens to publicly complain about economic problems such as waiting in line to buy food and other items. Through Perestroika, local managers gained more authority over their farms and factories. Also, people were allowed to open small businesses. These changes paved the way for the collapse of communism.