Question
Why had the Soviet Union collapsed inspite of Gorbachev's accurate diagnosis of the problem and his attempt to implement reforms?
Solution
The reasons are as mentioned below :
(i) Some sections of Soviet society felt that Gorbachev should have moved much faster. They were disappointed and impatient with his methods. They benefited too slowly.
(i) Some sections of Soviet society felt that Gorbachev should have moved much faster. They were disappointed and impatient with his methods. They benefited too slowly.
(ii) The members of the Communist Party, on the other hand, felt that their power and privileges were being eroded and Gorbachev was moving very quickly.
Thus, there were two different reactions about Gorbachev's policy. Under these circumstances, he lost support on all sides and divided public opinion. In the meantime, rise of nationalism and the desire for sovereignty in Russia, the Baltic republics, Ukraine, Georgia and others led to disintegration of the USSR.
