Gorbachev Flashcards
(55 cards)
By 1985, what percent of Soviet GDP was spent on the military?
15–17% of GDP.
How many Soviet troops were stationed outside the USSR in 1985?
Over 500,000 troops.
What was the USSR’s annual arms expenditure in the 1980s?
Estimated $250–300 billion (USD equivalent).
What percent of Soviet industrial output was military-related in 1985?
About 25%.
How much did Soviet industrial output decline by 1990?
Fell by 4–5% annually.
What was the inflation rate in the USSR by 1990?
Consumer prices rose over 140% in 1990.
How much did agricultural output decline between 1986 and 1990?
Declined by about 10%.
What was the USSR’s external debt by 1991?
Over $60 billion.
How many strikes occurred in the USSR in 1990?
Over 6,000 strikes.
How many members did Polish Solidarity have by 1989?
Around 10 million members.
What was the population of the USSR in 1989?
About 286 million.
How many Soviet republics declared sovereignty by 1990?
14 of 15 republics.
What was the GDP growth rate in 1985–1990?
Averaged less than 1% annually.
How much did consumer goods output change by 1990?
Declined by 6% from 1985 levels.
How many participated in the 1989 Baltic Way human chain?
About 2 million people.
When did Gorbachev become General Secretary of the CPSU?
March 11, 1985.
How old was Gorbachev when he became leader?
54 years old.
Who strongly endorsed Gorbachev’s nomination as General Secretary?
Andrei Gromyko.
What was Gorbachev’s early public focus after election?
Urged officials to address economic and social problems.
What ideology did Gorbachev claim to follow?
Marxist-Leninist, but rejected Stalinism.
What was Gorbachev’s main foreign policy goal?
Reduce Cold War tensions and prevent nuclear war.
What 1987 treaty eliminated an entire class of nuclear missiles?
INF Treaty with the USA.
What was the effect of the INF Treaty?
Reduced nuclear arsenals and introduced verification measures.
What did Gorbachev propose in military policy?
Unilateral Soviet force reductions and defensive posture.
