Peasant background - grew up under Stalin, operated combine harvester on collective farm
Of mixed Russian and Ukranian heritage, born in Stavropol Krai
Joined the Communist party, initially worked for Komsomol, after Stalin's death, he was a key part of de-Stalinisation reforms
1970 - first Stavropol Regional Committee Secretary
1978 - Secretary of Central Committee, joined the Politburo in 1979
1985 - Politburo elected him as general secretary, de facto head of government
Ideology
Freedom of speech and press
Decentralise government and economy to improve efficiency
Committed to soviets and socialism, but need of significant reform - withdrew form Afghan war; summits with Ronald Reagan to end nuclear weapons race and cold war
Less focused on military - no interference when Eastern Block abandoned the Soviet Union
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