• 1931

    Mikhail Gorbachev is born in Stavropol into a mixed Russian-Ukrainian family

  • 1955

    Gorbachev joins the Communist Party while attending Moscow University

  • 1985

    Elected as General Secretary by the Politburo, now leader of the Soviet Union

  • 1986

    Mikhail Gorbachev introduced Glasnost, allowing for more transparency within the Communist Party, opening room for criticism and comments from citizens as well as giving more freedom of speech to individuals.

  • 1987

    Along with Glasnost, Gorbachev implemented Perestroika in an attempt to prevent economic stagnation and promote economic and social growth.

  • 1989

    Gorbachev liberates eastern bloc, reunifying Berlin from its long division by the Berlin Wall

  • 1990

    Gorbachev is awarded Nobel Peace Prize for bringing an end to the Cold War peacefully

  • 1992

    Founds The Gorbachev Foundation, one of the independent think tanks in modern Russia

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