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During the late 20th century conditions among the Russian people became increasingly tense, resulting in the soviet government attempting to institute various reforms. During the era of Leonid Brezhnev, a period referred to as the “stagnation” emerged. Economically, issues such as the over-centralization of industry, improper distribution of funds, a costly war with Afghanistan, and a system of privileges for a few, plagued the Soviets. Socially, conditions maintained much the same state they had since the communists emerged in power; the people continued to deal with internal repression (Meyer) and strenuous living conditions due to their impoverished state. For several years the Soviet views toward the United States had become increasingly less hostile, however, when Soviet forces invaded Afghanistan the animosity resumed. Fortunately, a leader appeared who seemed to be able to resolve the problems. After entering office, Gorbachev began making vital reforms. He withdrew forces from Afghanistan, negotiated arms limitation agreements with the U.S., and effectively ended the Cold War. Additionally he instituted the policies of Perestroika and Glasnost, which ultimately led to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. At the heart of Gorbachev’s motivations was the desire to “give priority to the universal value of mankind and the interests of mankind” (Gorbachev) He therefore instituted Perestroika, a policy of reform which sought primarily to resolve economic problems through a more efficient distribution of funds, including an effort to provide “better wages and benefits” (Gorbachev) Ultimately, Gorbachev found that it would be difficult to reform Russia because of “200 ethnic groups, nationalities, and languages, different religions, different cultures, a lot militarism, heavy industry, and monopoly, a total monopoly of one political party in that country.” It was difficult to reform people who had been around for several generations.
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