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Lacking in Leadership
During the end of the 20th century, Russia had come across some unsuccessful leaders which led to its demise. Rule had turned conservative after Stalin and Khruschev as well. This shows change in that the Soviet Union would not have started without a strong, assertive ruler, and now it was missing one. Theme 3 relates to this in that their state-building and expansion decreased due to lack of helpful guidance. -
Population Deterioration
During the 1980s, due to poverty, much of the population lived uncomfortably. Disease rose, infant mortality rose and performance suffered as well. This shows change in that although the Soviet Union had not had a bustling economy before, it was still better off than it was near the end. Theme 3 relates to this in that the conflict is that the state cannot prosper if the economy is not growing first. -
Onward to Industrialization
Instead of helping the economy out, industrialization did the exact opposite. Nature and land suffered severely from this forced act, and more than half was endangered by the time of the late '80s. This shows change in that the SU were trying out industrialization in contrast to previous patterns, and represents theme 3 by showing state-building with their attempt to get back at the top despite their failure. -
Reforms of the '80s
This is the year the Soviet Union starts up an excessive amount of reforms in attempt to save itself. Due to high spending in military defense against the United States, the economy had not been able to sustain the pressre from it much longer. This shows change in that once a stable economy, the SU had become unstable and in need of help. Theme 3 relates to this in that they had approached economic conflict at last, and it took a toll on their population. -
New Leader
This is the year Mikhail Gorbachev comes to rule, sweeping in many reforms unlike before. Reforms that indulged in Western ideas and ways of life, but kept to Soviet Union traditions of course. This is a sign of change because unlike before there was no aiffiliation with the West, but now there was. Theme 3 is also conveyed by state-building in which Gorbachev promotes with allowing things like opinions on his rule, reducing isolation and so on. -
Soviet vs. Afghanistan
Russia withdrew forces from Afghanistan after the US came in. Due to Russia's large Muslim minority, the Communists had been worried followers would become a threat in response to the Islamic fervor occuring at that time. Change is shown in that the Soviet Union had previously maintained a steady streak in taking over any place it charged at, but now after the Cold War it was too weak. Theme 3 goes with this event because of the mentioning of expansion to Afghanistan, but conflict in retreating. -
Gorbachev's End
During the 1990s, Gorbachev soon began to lose his luck after being weakened by a military coup in the state. No more agreements could be made or persuade, and eventually Boris Yeltsen took over came to the conclusion that the Soviet Union is being ended. This shows change in that Gorbachev was unable to keep control of his followers unlike other authoritarian rulers before him, and relates to theme 3 by the conflict of a poorly guided state having no choice but to come to an end and leave hope. -
Collapse
This is the year that the Soviet Union falls entirely. Yeltsin also comes about ruling Russia from there on. This shows change in that for so long it had maintained a strong grip on the world and its position in it, and now it was entirely nonexistent. Theme 3 corresponds to this by state-building becoming a failure over time, and eventually just completely stopping. -
Cold War
This is the year that the Cold War ends; many threats were thrown back and forth between the Soviet Union and Russia ranging from nuclear ones to regular armaments. This lasted 30 years in total, and shows change in that despite having great power and the ability to use it as the Soviets have before, they were unable to succeed this time. Theme 3 corresponds to this by the conflict of the aftermath the Soviets were left with after the war and all the costs. -
Moving out of the Soviet Grip
From 1988-1991, there were many thoughts and actions of independence from Eastern Europe and even states in the Soviet Union. Places such as these sought freedom: Bulgaria, Hungary, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Romania and so on. This shows change in that in earlier times, countries were too terrified to disobey the Russian Empire, but now there was no more tolerance left. Theme 3 relates to this by state-building deteriorating with the break up of the Union.