To what extent can Mikhail Gorbachev be held responsible for the collapse of the USSR?

The collapse of the USSR was one of the most important events of the twentieth century and it is undeniable that Mikhail Gorbachev played a part in the break up. But to answer the above question we have to look at factors out with Gorbachev's control, while also analysing what he did wrong, how he reacted to problems, and the consequences of the reforms he put in place, so that we are able to come …

…clear that he can be blamed for the break up of the Soviet Union to a large extent. Bibliography S. White- Russia's New Politics R. Pearson- The Rise and Fall of The Soviet Empire J. B. Dunlop- The Rise of Russia and The Fall of The Soviet Empire Websites www.csis-scrs.gc.ca www.wikipedia.org www.marxists.org www.geocities.com www.1upinfo.com www.russia.net.ru www.driftreality.com www.themoscowtimes.com