Yeltsin Flashcards
(12 cards)
Who became the first president of the Russian Federation?
Boris Yeltsin became the first president of the Russian Federation after the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991.
What were Yeltsin’s main reforms aimed at?
Yeltsin’s reforms were aimed at transitioning Russia from a centrally planned economy to a market-based democracy.
What is ‘shock therapy’ in the context of Yeltsin’s policies?
‘Shock therapy’ refers to radical economic reforms implemented by Yeltsin, including liberalization of prices, foreign trade, and currency.
What were the consequences of Yeltsin’s economic reforms?
The consequences included hyperinflation, a GDP fall of about 50%, massive unemployment, and deteriorating living standards.
How did Yeltsin’s reforms affect savings and poverty?
Hyperinflation wiped out savings and plunged tens of millions into poverty.
What criticism did Yeltsin’s reforms receive?
Many economists criticized the reforms as causing ‘economic genocide.’
What was the outcome of the political conflict in 1993?
The political conflict culminated in Yeltsin’s confrontation with parliament and the use of military force to dissolve it.
What was the goal of Yeltsin’s privatization efforts?
Yeltsin aimed for rapid privatization of state enterprises through voucher programs and direct sales.
What was a major issue with the privatization process?
The voucher system largely failed to benefit ordinary Russians and facilitated the rise of wealthy oligarchs.
What impact did Yeltsin’s policies have on democracy?
Yeltsin promoted political liberalization, but democracy remained fragile due to power struggles and authoritarian tendencies.
How did Yeltsin’s reforms affect social services?
Poverty increased sharply, and many Russians lost access to healthcare, education, and social services.
What was the state of the social safety net after Yeltsin’s reforms?
The social safety net of the Soviet era was largely dismantled without adequate replacement.
