Rising to Power
By the 1980's, the Soviet economy was plummeting. In 1985, three Soviet leaders died in a very short period of time. Even though it was a tragedy, this gave Gorbachev the chance to take the spot as General Secretary of the USSR. Gorbachev, being the apprentice of former leader Yuri Andropov, was appointed General Secretary and Leader of the Soviet Union in 1985.
Gorbachev, being only 54 years of age, remains the youngest man to be appointed leader of the Soviet Union, and he was looked upon by citizens as a savior to their country's struggling economy. Everyone in the Soviet Union was excited for a new era of leadership.
Gorbachev, being only 54 years of age, remains the youngest man to be appointed leader of the Soviet Union, and he was looked upon by citizens as a savior to their country's struggling economy. Everyone in the Soviet Union was excited for a new era of leadership.