Perestroika

What was perestroika?

Perestroika is the Russian word for economic restructuring. It meant the communist economic system would be reformed to include some capitalist elements, such as small, privately owned businesses.

When was perestroika?

Perestroika lasted from 1985 until 1991.

Who used the term perestroika?

Mikhail Gorbachev introduced perestroika.

Why was perestroika important?

Perestroika was important in 3 main ways because:

• ❖ It failed to solve the USSR's economic problems and instead made them worse.
• ❖ Some people believe it was a significant factor in triggering the revolutions of 1989 across eastern Europe.
• ❖ It contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union, which marked the end of the Cold War.