Mikhail Gorbachev and the collapse of communism

Mikhail Gorbachev allowed new ideas to be heard. communism restricted freedom of press, speech, and religion. With Gorbachev now governing, the soviet citizens were able to speak their minds about complaints or problems. Gorbachev actually took the time out and listened to people. In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev announced a policy known as glastnost or openness. This encouraged the soviet individuals to discuss ways to improve their society. Then in that same year, Gorbachev introduced the idea of perestroika or economic reconstructing. He made changes to save the soviet economy. These changes opened up the soviet union and paved the way for the end of communism.