A New Soviet Union
When Gorbachev came into power as the General Secretary of the USSR, he inherited a decaying economy. In order to pull his country out of poverty, he introduced two new concepts to the Soviet government, "Glasnost and Perestroika." The first concept, "Glasnost," meant openness in economic activity. This encouraged more capitalism in a communist country. The second concept, "Perestroika," meant reconstruction of the government. Gorbachev hoped that together, the two would reform the USSR and increase the standards of living, satisfaction level, and use of council members in the making of decisions.
In all, Gorbachev was able to reform the USSR. He managed to pull the Soviet Union out of poverty. Like Gorbachev hoped, "Glasnost" was a huge success. It gave poorer people the ability to make a life for themselves, while the upper classes were able to maintain their wealth. This was was a good thing at first, but it would return to haunt Gorbachev as a leader.
In all, Gorbachev was able to reform the USSR. He managed to pull the Soviet Union out of poverty. Like Gorbachev hoped, "Glasnost" was a huge success. It gave poorer people the ability to make a life for themselves, while the upper classes were able to maintain their wealth. This was was a good thing at first, but it would return to haunt Gorbachev as a leader.