Subjects /European History /Assignments /

AP Success - AP European History: Gorbachev's Resignation

In his resignation speech on December 25, 1991, Mikhael Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, reflected on the progress and challenges faced by the country since he took office in 1985. Gorbachev is a prominent figure in world history for his role in ushering in political and economic reforms in the Soviet Union that ultimately led to its collapse and the end of the Cold War.

Source 1

Addressing you for the last time in the capacity of president of the U.S.S.R. I consider it necessary to express my evaluation of the road we have traveled since 1985, especially as there are a lot of contradictory, superficial and subjective judgments on that matter. . . 

The process of renovating the country and radical changes in the world community turned out to be far more complicated than could be expected. However, what has been done ought to be given its due. This society acquired freedom, liberated itself politically and spiritually, and this is the foremost achievement which we have not yet understood completely, because we have not learned to use freedom.

However, work of historic significance has been accomplished. The totalitarian system which deprived the country of an opportunity to become successful and prosperous long ago has been eliminated. A breakthrough has been achieved on the way to democratic changes. Free elections, freedom of the press, religious freedoms, representative organs of power, a multiparty (system) became a reality, human rights are recognized as the supreme principle.

Mikhael Gorbachev, Resignation Speech, December 25, 1991

Question 1

Short answer

Identify one economic trend that led to the events described in the excerpt.

Question 2

Short answer

Identify one political trend that led to the events described in the excerpt.

Question 3

Short answer

Explain one way in which post-Soviet Russia struggled to maintain the political reforms Gorbachev describes.

Teach with AI superpowers

Why teachers love Class Companion

Import assignments to get started in no time.

Create your own rubric to customize the AI feedback to your liking.

Overrule the AI feedback if a student disputes.

Other European History Assignments