break up of USSR
The Soviet totalitarian regime held the many nations of the USSR together for almost three quarters of a century; the disintegration of this political system brought with it economic and political instability as well as civil wars in the separated states. Why did the collapse of the communist regime in the Soviet Union have such a negative impact? The states struggled to coordinate market mechanisms and private ownerships into their economies. Rebellions and radical reform leaders emerged and years of ethnic tensions and feelings of frustrated nationalism erupted in this new, open society that Gorbachev created. The anti-Soviet revolution in 1991 shattered the authoritarian grasp of the Soviet Union's communist party. As the Russian, Ukrainian and Belorussian leaders declared on Dec. 8th 1991 "The Union of Soviet Socialist Republics K is ceasing its existence" (Mandelbaum 355).Mikhail Gorbachev ascended to power in 1985, bringing with him new ideas for radical changes in a struggling nation. Gorbachev demanded reforms however he did not anticipate the consequences. Society's dissatisfaction, dissolutionment and despair with the way communism operated resulted in change (Resnick 7). Gorbachev's reforms included glasnost
Many citizens wanted the drastic reforms to slow down or change, as there was great disappointment with the private market driven economy. Russia's internal nationalities problems include territorial nations who redefined themselves as sovereign states. One totalitarian state was transformed into 15 independent republics. Perestroika weakened both the political and economic system and helped tear down Soviet communism. The new parliament was filled with ex-communist; thus, they resisted free market reforms. These were huge changes in a country whose sole employer was the state. Radical reform movements became strong enough to openly challenge the government as these reform leaders emerged. The breakdown of old patterns brought social support for the government; however, Russia is still facing the cost of the transition from communism to democracy. Gorbachev recommended introducing a market economy that included privatization and democratic freedom. Democratization allowed Soviet people, through elections, to express their lack of respect for and dissatisfaction with the communist party. These private markets were extremely high priced compared to the price controlled goods of the previous communist government. In Georgia, Armenia, Fizerbaijan, Tajilastan, conflicts broke out as they declared their independence then fought with each other over ethnic boundaries. Political institutions of the sovereign republics were suffering birthing and growing pains. The high rate of inflation in 1992 was caused by "the continuing monetization of economic activity without control over the supply of money and credit" (Colton, Legvold 55). The state controlled the work force and all means of production and owned all the country's natural resources, as private-ownership and control was not allowed.
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