To what extent did internal problems contribute to the break-up of the Soviet Union?

Candidates should consider the role played by internal problems in causing the break-up of the Soviet Union and gauge their importance in the context of wider factors.

Indicative content

Internal factors

• Acute economic problems had resulted from an over-rigid central planning system which, had failed to produce economic growth and to improve living standards.
• Candidates may discuss the difficulties of reforming the Soviet political and economic system, which had been propped up by an ageing leadership.
• Gorbachev started to reform the economy but his policies were opposed by hard-liners in the Politburo. This encouraged Gorbachev to carry out political reforms that resulted in nationalists gaining seats in the Supreme Soviet.
• The policy of glasnost also led to more open discussion of the problems confronting the Soviet Union and with this, more criticism of the government.
• In a downward spiral, glasnost and perestroika led to more serious economic problems (such as inflation and unemployment) and this unleashed even stronger opposition.
• Responses may refer to unrest in the republics, the coup against Gorbachev in August 1991 by members of the leadership who feared plans to give more power to the republics weekend Gorbachev’s position. Yeltsin encouraged nationalism and in December declared the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

External factors

• The policies of Ronald Reagan, that saw increased spending on defence including the “Star Wars” project, alarmed the Soviet Union. This increased Soviet defence spending that the state could not afford.
• American-inspired economic warfare included the deliberate suppression of the price of oil and gas and opposition to deals supplying Soviet gas and oil to Europe. This prevented economic recovery.
• Financial assistance to Solidarity in Poland and very significant US military assistance to the Afghan mujahedeen led to greater problems for the Soviet Union.
• The Soviet-Afghan War was also very expensive and a drain on economic recovery.
• Economic reforms in China put pressure on the Soviet Union to enact change.
• The rapid collapse of Communism in Eastern Europe in 1989–1990 (encouraged by Gorbachev’s “Sinatra Doctrine”) was an example to the Soviet republics who soon followed suit.

The above material is an indication of what candidates may elect to write about in their responses. However, it is not exhaustive and no set answer is required.

Examiners and moderators are reminded of the need to apply the markbands that provide the “best fit” to the responses given by candidates and to award credit wherever it is possible to do so.

[20 marks]