Glasnost+&+Perestroika

Under the leadership of Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union adopted policies of glasnost and perestroika. Glasnost allowed new freedom of expression or speech and criticism. Gorbachev's reform was designed to balance his authority with his desire to westernize. Gorbachev allowed a limited amount of political freedom in order to stimulate the productivity of the workers. Moreover, the USSR leader allowed western businesses to set up in the Soviet Union, for example, in 1990, the first McDonald's opened in Moscow. The other reform is known as Perestroika; this allowed private ownership and reduced government control of industry and agriculture. In addition foreign investments were encouraged.

By: Christina and Danielle