Character Catalog

Vast programme of economic and political reforms aimed at modernising the USSR. Perestroika introduced elements of a market economy and decentralised planning.

Policy of openness and freedom of expression that put an end to Soviet censorship. It allowed public criticism of the regime and freed the press.

First nuclear disarmament agreement to eliminate an entire category of missiles. It marked a decisive turning point in the end of the arms race.

Decision to withdraw Soviet troops from Afghanistan after nine years of war. This withdrawal, completed in February 1989, brought an end to a costly and unpopular conflict.

Work in which Gorbachev sets out his vision of the necessary reforms. Translated into many languages, it became an international bestseller.

Gorbachev accepted the reunification of Germany within NATO in exchange for security guarantees. This decision transformed the geopolitical map of Europe.

We need democracy like we need air. If we do not understand this, if we do not find the means to put democratization into practice, our policy of Perestroika will be doomed to failure.

The use of force or the threat of force can no longer be instruments of foreign policy. The principle of freedom of choice is mandatory. Failure to respect this principle constitutes a violation of international law.

I am terminating my activities as President of the USSR. I am making this decision on account of the situation that has developed with the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Fate had it that when I came to lead the state, it was already clear that something was wrong in this country.

Perestroika is not a change of scenery. It is a bold and revolutionary attempt to develop socialist society in a coherent and comprehensive manner, giving it the most modern forms of organization.

Both parties agree to eliminate their ground-launched ballistic and cruise missiles with a range between 500 and 5,500 kilometers, within a period of three years.

Seat of Soviet power where Gorbachev served from 1985 to 1991. It was from his office that he delivered his resignation speech.

Site of the historic 1986 summit between Gorbachev and Reagan. Although it did not result in an agreement, the summit revived the disarmament process.

Gorbachev's birthplace in southern Russia, where he was born in 1931. His rural childhood shaped his understanding of the hardships faced by the Soviet people.

Symbol of the East-West divide. The fall of the Wall in 1989, made possible by the Soviet non-intervention decided by Gorbachev, was celebrated here.

Presidential dacha where Gorbachev was placed under house arrest during the attempted coup of August 1991. He spent three days there, cut off from the outside world.

Direct communication line between Moscow and Washington. Gorbachev used it frequently in his exchanges with Reagan and then Bush to defuse tensions.

Strategic map of the USSR's allied countries. Under Gorbachev, this map gradually shrank as Eastern European countries broke free.

Official files of the CPSU's political bureau. Gorbachev used them to propose his major Perestroika and Glasnost reforms.

Official newspaper of the Communist Party. Under Glasnost, the Soviet press began publishing critical articles, something previously unthinkable.

Symbolic instrument of Gorbachev's diplomacy. Gorbachev signed historic disarmament agreements with American presidents.

Red star badge worn by Party members. Gorbachev was the last leader to wear this badge as head of the USSR.