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AP Success - AP European History: Gorbachev's Resignation & USSR End

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

Multiple choice

Which of the following best describes the context of Mikhail Gorbachev's resignation speech in 1991?

The beginning of the Soviet-Afghan War.
The dissolution of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War.
The height of the Stalinist purges.
The implementation of the New Economic Policy.

Question 2

Multiple choice

According to Gorbachev's speech, what was one of the significant achievements during his time in office?

The expansion of the Soviet Union's territorial control.
The complete suppression of political and spiritual freedom.
The strengthening of the totalitarian system.
The establishment of a multiparty system and recognition of human rights.

Question 3

Multiple choice

Gorbachev's reference to the society acquiring freedom and liberating itself politically and spiritually is indicative of which policy?

Collectivization and Five-Year Plans.
Perestroika and Glasnost.
Warsaw Pact obligations.
The Brezhnev Doctrine.

Question 4

Multiple choice

What does Gorbachev imply is a challenge that society faces following the political changes he mentions?

Reverting to a command economy.
Avoiding foreign intervention in domestic affairs.
Learning to use the newly acquired freedom effectively.
Maintaining the strength of the Communist Party.

Question 5

Multiple choice

Gorbachev's speech suggests that the process of renovating the country and the changes in the world community were:

A return to traditional Soviet policies of the early 20th century.
Primarily focused on economic reforms with little political change.
More complex than expected and involved overcoming a totalitarian system.
Smooth and met with little to no resistance or difficulty.

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