Florida Teacher Certification Examinations (FTCE) Social Science Practice Test

Which Soviet leader's policies contributed to the fall of communism in the Eastern bloc?

1. Brezhnev

2. Khrushchev

3. Stalin

4. Gorbachev

The correct answer is: Gorbachev

The policies of Mikhail Gorbachev played a critical role in the fall of communism in the Eastern bloc. His introduction of significant reforms, particularly "glasnost" (openness) and "perestroika" (restructuring), aimed to revitalize the Soviet economy and reduce the repressive nature of the regime. Glasnost encouraged greater freedom of expression and transparency, leading to increased public discussion about political and social issues, which challenged the existing authority. Perestroika focused on restructuring the political and economic systems, moving away from strict central planning towards a more market-oriented approach. These reforms inadvertently weakened the grip of the Communist Party, fostering a climate that encouraged the rise of nationalist movements throughout Eastern Europe. Countries like Poland, Hungary, and East Germany began demanding more autonomy and reform, leading to widespread protests and the eventual collapse of communist regimes across the region. Gorbachev's policies not only influenced the Soviet Union but also resonated throughout Eastern Europe, hastening the end of the Cold War and the disintegration of communist control in those nations.