Political Developments, 1953-85

Khrushchev’s Thaw

Leadership Succession: Following Stalin’s death in 1953, Nikita Khrushchev emerged as the key figure.
Secret Speech: In 1956, Khrushchev denounced Stalin’s dictatorial rule and the cult of personality in a private session of the party congress, marking a significant shift.
Destalinisation: Khrushchev introduced moderate political reforms aimed at removing Stalin’s influence, including reducing the powers of the secret police.

Transition of Power: Khrushchev was replaced by Leonid Brezhnev in 1964.
Brezhnev Doctrine: Justified Soviet intervention in any socialist country seen to be threatened by forces unfriendly to socialism (announced after the Soviet invasion of Czechoslovakia in 1968).
Re-Stalinisation: Brezhnev reversed Khrushchev’s reforms and reintroduced more repressive measures, leading to a decrease in political freedoms.
Corruption and Nepotism: There was a rise in corruption and nepotism under Brezhnev, contributing to growing economic problems and cynicism among the population.

Andropov’s Leadership: Brezhnev was succeeded by Yuri Andropov in 1982, who aimed to improve work discipline and combat corruption but his time in power was short due to ill health.
Chernenko’s Rule: Konstantin Chernenko took over after Andropov’s death in 1984, continuing Andropov’s policies but his rule was also short-lived due to ill health.

Increased Censorship: There was a clampdown on dissent and an increased level of censorship under Brezhnev.
Dissidents and Control: Dissidents were frequently arrested, exiled, or institutionalised, including notable figures like Aleksandr Solzhenitsyn and Andrei Sakharov.
Increased Military Spending: Brezhnev increased military spending, which put a strain on the Soviet economy.