After Brezhnev

Question 1

Who was Yuri Andropov?

Answer 1

• Born in 1914
• Ruled November - February 1984
• Held the positions of the Head of KGB, Ambassador to Hungary and part of the politburo under Brezhnev, became leader of USSR.

Question 2

What did Andropov do during his rule?

Answer 2

• Recognised the need for reform.
• Main concern was corruption within the party but attempts to deal effectively with this were hampered by his lack of charm.
• He was too ill to follow through his ideas. Was reliant on a kidney dialysis machine.
• Promoted the younger generation of Party members who saw reform as essential.

Question 3

Who was Konstantin Chernenko?

Answer 3

• Born in a working class family
• Ruled February 1984 - March 1985
• Was in his mid-seventies and was dying of emphysema when he was elected leader.
• Friends with Brezhnev in the 40s, joined Komsomol (communist youth league) in 1921 and party in 1931, completed military training and later worked for a party propaganda department.

Question 4

What did Chernenko do during his rule?

Answer 4

Chernenko was a Brezhnev man and made no changes in his short leadership. He died in March 1985.