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How far do you agree that Gorbachev's ideas of Perestroika and Glasnost were the main reason for the pressure to reform the GDR in the years ?£4.49
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19/20 gained in the essay , "How far do you agree that Gorbachev's ideas of Perestroika and Glasnost were the main reason for the pressure to reform the GDR in the years ?" for the Unit 2E: German Democratic Republic 1949-90 Edexcel A-Level History.
How far do you agree that Gorbachev's ideas of Perestroika and Glasnost were the main
reason for the pressure to reform the GDR in the years 1985-1989?
[19/20 Gained in the essay, Unit 2E: German Democratic Republic]
The years 1985-1989 was crucial for the GDR as it marked the time where GDR would face serious
opposition and turmoil. The GDR had tried to create a “niche society” which was outwardly
conforming and accepting of the regime. However the regime was faced under immense pressure
due to Gorbachev radical policies of perestroika/glasnost, the deteriorating economy and growing
discontent from the population (causing protests). The main factor behind this pressure can be
argued to have been Gorbachev ideas and reforms as it led to a restructuring of all the satellite state
which eventually caused the abandoning of the communist ideological principles. Although the
failing economy and individual discontent was rampant during the time it was exacerbated by
Gorbachev policies as it led to a newfound freedom and expectations which the SED could not
deliver. Therefore, Gorbachev ideas was the main catalyst in causing the reforms of the GDR during
1985-1989.
One way we see that Gorbachev ideas led to the pressure for reformation was seen through his
reform of “perestroika”. Gorbachev announced perestroika (restructuring) of the Soviet system and
economy. This led to many financial changes within the Soviet economy one of these was through
them managing their budget and spending. They realised that the Eastern Bloc had become a burden
to them therefore they decided to cut spending towards them. The USSR spent around 15 billion
roubles per year to support the GDR in the 1980s which included subsidies, military aid and political
support. This expenditure proved to be too costly therefore Gorbachev decided to abandon the
Brezhnev Doctrine and opt for the Sinatra Doctrine which in theory gave the GDR a sense of
independence however with this independence it meant that the SED could no longer count on the
USSR support for any intervention or domestic unrest. By allowing these countries greater
autonomy, the Soviet Union was effectively signalling a willingness to let go of its control over these
countries and to allow them to move towards greater democracy and market-oriented economic
policies. Consequently, this also led to people expectations of an economic reform increasing. This
was a significant impact in creating pressure for the GDR to reform as it meant that it wasn’t reliant
on Soviet principles or the regime. The GDR had lost its main support and was heavily dependent on
the Soviet economy to pump up its own, losing them lead to more economic difficulties. This can be
highlighted through trade in 1985, 70% of the GDR's foreign trade was with the Soviet Union losing
its main trading partner damaged the GDR trading system (no longer could rely on Soviet exports
and couldn’t import as much). This meant that the GDR faced more pressure in needing to reform
the economy and political system. The GDR being unable to adapt to these economic changes due to
its inflexible leader Honecker and command economy this resulted in increased public dissatisfaction
and economic collapse. Gorbachev policies meant that the GDR was placed in an economically bad
situation one which they were unable to overcome resulting in increased pressures for reform and
change. It also increased people expectations which the GDR failed to deliver subsequently creating
increased pressures and discontent.
Another way we can see Gorbachev ideas being the main cause of reform was through glasnost.
Glasnost or openness was a policy implemented by Gorbachev in hopes of improving public support
and towards exposing flaws such as corruption. This was to be done through greater freedom of
media. This led to a significant impact on the SED as it created a new environment in which the
public had a greater voice and criticism was allowed. Before the SED had controlled mass media and
had major restrictions towards it. For example, the GDR had controlled 66% of major news outlets
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