The reasons for the fall of Communism and the USSR - Essay Example

?USSR Collapse Effects Introduction Soviet Russia was established in the year 1917 due to the conflicts of Russian Revolution and came into existenceafter the collapse of the empire. It was due to a civil war that presented the opportunity to Vladimir Lenin to gain power and authority of Russia. However, it did not proved effective for Lenin as he withdrew from his position (Chairman of Soviet Government) in the year 1923 due to a severe heart stroke. After the withdrawal of Lenin, Leon Trotsky came into existence and power. However very soon, it was expelled by Joseph Stalin in the year 1927 and such rule became completed in the year 1991. The year 1991is a remarkable year for the citizens of Soviet Union as USSR (Union of Soviet Socialist Republic) also regarded as Soviet Union Collapsed. It is regarded as one of the largest countries that collapsed due to the sudden blast of a nuclear super power thereby shattering the entire world. So, it is one of the most well-known dates in the history of Soviet Russia (Lorimer, The Collapse of ‘Communism’ in the USSR “Causes and Significance”). This essay mainly highlights the reasons for the fall of the communalism and USSR of Soviet Russia along with the pros and cons of such a collapse. Other than this, it also highlights the effect of such a collapse in the entire world in both positive and negative ways. Apart from this, a small evaluation part is also presented in the essay to evaluate the positive and negative effects of such a collapse along with a conclusion as well. History of Soviet Union The Soviet Union came into existence from the revolution occurred in the month of October that overthrew the Russian Provisional government and as a result, the Soviet Party came into power. It was dominated by Bolsheviks and followed by Russian civil war. The Soviet Union is also traditionally regarded as the successor of the Russian Empire (Lorimer, The Collapse of ‘Communism’ in the USSR “Causes and Significance”). The Soviet Union was ruled by the last Russian Tsar named Nicholas II from March 1917 to 1922. At the end of the year 1922, the predecessor to Soviet Union came into existence as the Russian Soviet Federated Socialist Republic, an independent country. Therefore, in 1922, the country of Soviet Union developed mainly due to the union of several neighboring countries such as Russia, Ukrainian, Belarusian and Transcaucasian Soviet Republic. Thus, after World War II, both Soviet Union and United States became engaged in cold war as they tried to make their individual influence in the entire world. The entire national politics at that time was dominated by the parties of the Cold War and the prime cause of this U.S.–USSR struggle was to attain planetary authority of their individual socio–economic systems as well as defeat of the hegemonic spheres of influence of the country. At that time, despite the presence of Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), a five-year planned economy comprising of a (post-New Economic Policy), and repudiation of the Molotov–Ribbentrop Pact secret protocols, remained as the main character of Soviet society till 1985 (Lorimer, The Collapse of ‘Communism’ in the USSR “Causes and Significance”). At this time, in order gain influence Soviet Union extended their maximum power over Eastern Europe and Cuba and also a considerable control was also maintained over the citizens of the country. At that time, the country was ruled by Leonid Brezhnev known as Brezhnev Era, experienced high economic growth and prosperity, but soon ended with a very weaker Soviet Union facing numerous social, political, and economic problems. Along with this, the average annual income also lowered, resulting in a quite devastating condition within the country. On the other hand, United States looked over the other parts of the world to extend their line of influence and power. Therefore, it may be depicted from the above scenario, that inspite of numerous best rulers, the social and economic condition of Soviet Union may not be enhanced and so resulted in its downfall (Lorimer, The Collapse of ‘Communism’ in the USSR “Causes and Significance”). The reasons for the fall of Communism and the USSR The economy of Soviet Union was very inefficient to tackle such turbulence and they almost shattered. In order to keep up with the West in the race of Cold War, the Soviets became almost traumatized. The government spent billions of rubles for several decades to bring such a condition into a stable one but they failed every time. Moreover, Mikhail Gorbachev, the famous leader and his advisers also tried to implement numerous economic reforms, towards capitalism, to prevent such economic breakdown. Moreover, Mikhail Gorbachev also tried to present varied types of solutions so as to prevent such problematic situation but they failed to control it and resulted in a huge collapse. The prime reasons responsible for such an economic chaos is presented as below (Associated Newspapers LTD). Economic Stagnation: Due to such economic stagnation, the conditions of the citizens became poor to poorer. The problem of unemployment and poverty also became more intense in that situation. Along with this, the infrastructure of the country also went on deteriorating day by day. Military Spending: In order to reduce such conflicting situations, huge amount of revenue like 15-25% of GNP was spent on guns but not on butter. This is another striking cause that enhanced the problem of unemployment and economic downturn of the country. Political Stagnation and Corruption: All the party officials lived a privileged life and so disagreed, the idea of reformation although it was extremely essential. Ideology: The most common ideology of the country at that time was to create complete centralized planning and command economy. It also acted as one of the main cause for the fall of communism and USSR. Cultural reasons: Diverse cultures and regulations also created a huge problem for the country and resulted in its downfall. Almost 15 republics with diverse languages and cultures existed in the economy of Soviet Russia. Stalin’s leadership: The leadership of Stalin was extremely strict and rigid which also leaded to the downfall of Soviet Russian economy (Associated Newspapers LTD. Poverty) Afghanistan Quagmire: As the Afghan government was friendly with the Russian government, so it resulted in increase in the number of anti communist rebels. Moreover, the USSR also supplied thousands of troops and war machines that lead to the guerilla war fare between the insurgents and the Russian troops. However, USSR withdrew within 1987-89 from Afghanistan, as it was highly damaged and humiliated. Outside opposition: High level of opposition by both Capitalist countries and Nationalism within the republics was also responsible for its downfall. Killing of Party officials: Numerous party officials were killed for personal gain thereby weakening the party. This was also responsible for the fall of USSR and Communism. Other than all these above mentioned reasons, certain other factors are also responsible for the downfall of USSR and Communism were the hierarchy of soviets, ethnic federalism, state socialism, and Communist Party dominance. Therefore, it may be depicted from the above mentioned factors that due to the internal conspiracy of the leaders and political stagnation resulted in the entire failure of the USSR and communism in the economy (Associated Newspapers LTD). Pros and cons of USSR collapse In the month of December of 1991, the economy of Soviet Union was entirely under communism rule. Under this rule, the citizens of the economy experienced very limited rights and regulations. This is because communism means the government comprises of all sorts of the power and rights, and also controls each and every aspect of an individual’s life. Moreover, as the term communism mainly falls under the socialist ideology so it controls all aspects of an individual, for example: visiting to a grocery store, to the ways of thinking as well. So, it was also described as one sort of enslavement in which the citizens are forced to perform the task (Associated Newspapers LTD). Therefore, most of the citizens are against such rule and resulted in collapse that presented both positive as well as negative impacts over the economy. These are described below: Advantages: Living standard of the citizens increased. The ides of forced labor was banned A free society was established All of them are treated equally Ownership was shared along with wage, revenue and profit Local decision making power Crime rates reduced Investment was made over education Employment increased Variation of classes within the society reduced Disadvantages: No personal freedom Laws and regulation are strict Focuses too much on groups instead of single person More concentration over farming and low tech business Mass production, extremely difficult (Associated Newspapers LTD. Poverty,). Therefore, it may be stated that downfall of USSR presented both positive as well as negative circumstances over the citizens of the economy (Kort, The Handbook of the Former Soviet Union. “Soviet Union Timeline.” Absolute Astronomy). Whether the fall of the USSR brought prosperity or poverty and difficult life? The fall of USSR presented a negative impact over the citizens of the entire country of Soviet Union, which was extremely shocking and trembling. Although, the fall of USSR resulted in freedom from the forced labors but it increased the rate of unemployment. The citizens had to work in varied enterprises for a very small amount of revenue, that’s almost nothing to live standard life. As a result, the economic condition of the citizens reduced considerably among other neighboring countries. Moreover, due to lack of money, the rate of poverty increased resulting in huge loss of lives of the citizens and small children’s. As a result, it generated a situation of great depression along with societal collapse. Other than this, such dogmatic political situation also resulted in socio-economic crisis and hence societal collapse (Beissinger,. Nationalism and the Collapse of Soviet Communism. “Contemporary European History”). Apart from this, due to such tribulation situation, the citizens had to face a very difficult life. They waited in a long queue I front of the grocery shops to purchase the basic products essential for daily lives. This created a very chaotic situation within the society (Associated Newspapers LTD. Poverty). Evaluation of the consequences of the fall of USSR After the fall of the USSR, the life of the citizens in Soviet Union became almost ruined. They had to face the trouble of unemployment and poverty. They were almost in starved condition due to lack of food products. Along with this, unemployment also came into limelight very effective resulting in loss of social peace and integrity. The situation became extremely dogmatic and depressed. However, before the fall of USSR, Stalin was the main leader of the Soviet Union and he killed almost 20 million labors and forced them to live in camps known as Gulags. He also forced to shut down the churches and asked the citizens to worship him. As he wished that all the citizens need to worship him and not God, and so he closed all churches (Associated Newspapers LTD). Conclusion Conclusively, it may be depicted that the fall of USSR and communism proved effective for Soviet Union as it gave birth to a new society. It was a society, which comprises of new rules and regulations entirely free from communalism. It also helped the citizens to maintain a free life, along with high employment opportunities and revenues. It also enhanced the system of equally and shared ownership among them without any sort of caste. Therefore, it may be said that it proved helpful for the citizens of Soviet Union as compared to others. Works cited Associated Newspapers LTD. Poverty, , slow death of the Soviet Union: Haunting pictures show desperate struggle to survive in last days of USSR. “News”. 2013. Web. 09 August 2013. . Beissinger, Mark. G. Nationalism and the Collapse of Soviet Communism. “Contemporary European History”. 2009. Cambridge University Press,. Print. Web. 09 August 2013. . Kort, Michael G. The Handbook of the Former Soviet Union. “Soviet Union Timeline.” Absolute Astronomy. Brookfield: Millbrook, 1997. Print. Web. 09 August 2013. . Lorimer, Doug. The Collapse of ‘Communism’ in the USSR. “Causes and Significance”. Resistance Books, 1997. Print. Web. 09 August 2013. . Read More