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.

The collapse of Communism

Communism collapsed in Russia and Eastern Europe because it lost its appeal and democracy became more popular. People living in the communist countries were restricted in many ways. For example there were not allowed to travel without the permission of their government. Also they did not have different products to choose from, for instance everybody had to purchase the same type of product such as a certain brand of toothpaste. In addition, people had to wait inline for hours to buy food and other necessites. No matter how hard one worked a persons salary did not increase and there were no incentives to earn more money and thrive. This regime was against people's nature and will to become successful and prosperous. People in East Germany demanded reforms and pressured the communist government. Under so much pressure the communist government stepped down and a new government came to power. The new government allowed free elections and gave orders for the demolition of the Berlin Wall. In 1989, Mikhail Gorbachev became president of Russia and he paved the way for reforms with glasnost (openess) and perestroika (restructuring). Many nations in Russia wanted to become independent and eventually the Soviet Union collapsed. After the collapse of the Soviet Union many other communist nations such as Bulgaria, Albania, and Romania became democratic.