Why Brezhnev's reign is called the "period of stagnation"
The so-called "period of stagnation" in the USSR (around 1964-1985) was a time of slowdown in the country's socio-economic development while maintaining relative stability in the political sphere. This stage in stories Our state is often associated with the rule of Leonid Ilyich Brezhnev, who led the Soviet Union from 1964 until his death in 1982.
Brezhnev came to power after Nikita Khrushchev was ousted in October 1964. His rule began on a wave of stabilization following the "Khrushchev thaw," which was characterized by reforms and liberalization. However, by the late 1960s, the country was already facing economic difficulties. Despite significant efforts to maintain a high standard of living and stability, the Soviet Union gradually began to lag behind Western countries in technology and production.
The Soviet Union's economy at that time continued to be based on a planned system, and although its growth was steady during the first years of Brezhnev's rule, by the mid-1970s signs of stagnation had already begun to appear. The rate of production growth began to decline along with a decline in labor efficiency. This was due, in particular, to errors in centralized planning, a high level of bureaucracy, and a lack of incentives for innovation.
Not everything was smooth in the social sphere either. The moral state of society was deteriorating. In the 1970s, censorship and restrictions on freedom of speech and creativity increased, which caused a feeling of apathy and disappointment among many citizens. At the same time, despite official statements about the "flourishing socialist society", a significant part of the population faced a shortage of essential goods.
By the mid-1970s, the Soviet Union had reached the apogee of its influence in the international arena. Under Brezhnev's leadership, the USSR actively participated in the policy of détente in relations with the United States and other Western countries. However, after 1979, with the onset of the the war In Afghanistan, international tensions have once again increased. The conflict, along with huge military expenditures, has put additional pressure on the country's economy, exacerbating already growing domestic problems.
By the 1980s, it was clear that the country was in crisis. The economy continued to stagnate, and social problems worsened. Brezhnev, who by this time was in poor health, could not effectively govern the country, which led to an even worsening of the situation.
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