Chapter 11: The Singing Revolution (1987-1991)

When the leader of the Soviet Union Konstantin Tšernenko passed away in March 1985, it was clear that the political and economic situation in the Soviet Union was dire and in great need for changes, even to the most reactionary communist party members. Thus it was decided that the pro-reform Mihhail Gorbachev would become the next leader. He was supposed to bring the state out of the crisis whilst also retaining the socialist order.

His initial plan for changes was to support the quick development of the economy. It was meant to improve and restructure the socialist society, and became known as Perestroika (restructuring in Russian). However from 1986 a new concept arose - glasnost. The goal was to dismantle the secretive nature of the regime and to increase freedom of speech. However, this would have unintended consequences.

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