BrezhnevÕs
dies 1982 , two short failed CPSU leaders, then Gorbachev elected new lead of CPSU in 1985,
peasant from StavropolÕ, young, well educated
GorbachevÕs
Perestroika (rebuilding), inherited deeply entrenched, dysfunctional, totalitarian political system,
stagnant state-run economy with serious problems
foreign
earnings from petro-exports,
OPEC greatly expanded oil production in 1980s resulting in
$oil dropping from $75 to less than $20/bbl (break-even point for Soviet
oil)
Hard
currency from oil used to purchase foreign consumer goods
poor
quality (not accurate or honest domestic statistics)
late 1980Õs
60% of industrial output was heavy machinery, engines, turbines, tractors, military; consumer
goods <30% of production