Gorbachev's events while in power of the Soviet Union

Gorbachev is elected Genral Secretary of the USSR

Mar 11, 1985

On this day, Mikhail Gorbachev, a communist party leader, became General Scretary of the biggest communist nation during the time; The Soviet Union.

Gorbachev introduces Perestroika

Mar 18, 1986

Gorbachev itroduced perstroika (resurrecting). This was the start of the democratizing of the Soviet Union. He began to suggest elections for leaders and began to change the oppressive government.

Gorbachev introduced Glasnost

Mar 17, 1988

This change was tremendous. Gorbachev gave the people freedom of speech, freedom of th press, and freedom to have their own business. This was unheard of since 1917, when The Soviet Union became communist. Communism did not allow this, so people were surpirsed and unsure of how to use thir new freedoms. Even though Gorbachev believed this to be a good change, it also weakened the government and himself.

Gorbachev is elected President of he Soviet Union

Mar 15, 1990

or the first time since 1917, the Soviet people had the freedom to vote for their leader. Since he was an unopposed candidate, he won. Ten days later, the Congress began to elect representatives to give power to the people.

The Soviet Union collapses

Dec 31, 1991

On this day, the mighty USSR dissolved and broke apart. This is six days after Gorbachev resigned from office.