What role did Mikhail Gorbachev play in the Soviet Union's dissolution?

Mikhail Gorbachev's role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union was pivotal, primarily due to his introduction of significant reforms that transformed the political and economic landscape of the country. His policies of Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) aimed to make the Soviet Union more democratic and market-oriented. However, these reforms inadvertently destabilized the existing political structure and exacerbated economic problems.

As Gorbachev encouraged greater freedom of expression and political pluralism, nationalist movements began to rise in various Soviet republics, leading to increased demands for independence. The weakening of central control and the exposure of the government's flaws through Glasnost revealed deep-seated issues within the Soviet system. While Gorbachev intended to revitalize the USSR, his reforms instead unleashed forces that contributed to its eventual disintegration in 1991. Thus, recognizing that his policies inadvertently led to the collapse offers a comprehensive understanding of his complex legacy during this turbulent period in history.