How did mikhail Gorbachev's policies contribute to the collapse of communism in eastern eroupe?

Answer 1

Gorbachev's two major policies were glasnost and perestroika, which means openness and restructuring. He welcomed criticism of the government, which was never before allowed in the U.S.S.R. He wanted to reform or restructure the economy and especially the communist party within U.S.S.R. He allowed freedom of press and released political prisoners. He encouraged the rulers of the eastern European countries to adopt the same policies. The people of eastern Europe stood up against the oppressive regimes (although some eastern European rulers did follow in Gorbachev's footsteps and allowed free elections). The people initially feared that the Soviet army would suppress the uprisings like it had before, but Gorbachev did not provide help to the Communist regimes. Hence by 1991, communism was rejected by the eastern Europe.