Boris Yeltsin

Definition

Boris Yeltsin was the first President of the Russian Federation, serving from 1991 to 1999, after the collapse of the Soviet Union. He played a critical role in transitioning Russia from a Soviet-style command economy to a market-oriented economy and is known for his controversial reforms and political decisions during the tumultuous post-Soviet era.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Yeltsin was a key figure in the August 1991 coup attempt against Gorbachev, where he famously stood atop a tank to rally support for democratic reforms.
2. His presidency was marked by economic struggles, hyperinflation, and rising inequality as the country adjusted to capitalism.
3. Yeltsin's decision to resign on December 31, 1999, led to Vladimir Putin's rise to power as acting president.
4. He introduced significant constitutional reforms that expanded presidential powers and initiated widespread privatization of state assets.
5. Yeltsin's government faced multiple crises, including a war in Chechnya and widespread public dissatisfaction with corruption and economic hardship.

Review Questions

• What were some of the major challenges Boris Yeltsin faced during his presidency in post-Soviet Russia?
  • Boris Yeltsin faced numerous challenges during his presidency, including severe economic instability characterized by hyperinflation and high unemployment rates. The transition from a command economy to a market economy led to widespread poverty and social unrest. Additionally, his administration dealt with political opposition, rising nationalism in regions like Chechnya, and public dissatisfaction over corruption within the government, which collectively tested Yeltsin's leadership.
• How did Yeltsin's policies of 'Shock Therapy' impact the Russian economy during the transition from communism?
  • Yeltsin's implementation of 'Shock Therapy' aimed for a swift transition to a market economy by removing price controls and privatizing state-owned enterprises. While this approach was intended to stabilize the economy quickly, it resulted in massive inflation, loss of savings for many citizens, and a dramatic increase in wealth inequality. The rapid changes led to social discontent as many struggled to adapt to the new economic realities.
• Evaluate Yeltsin's legacy in terms of his contributions to democracy and economic reform in Russia.
  • Boris Yeltsin's legacy is complex; on one hand, he is credited with dismantling the Soviet regime and promoting democratic principles during a time of great change. He established a new constitution that expanded civil liberties and implemented reforms aimed at creating a capitalist economy. However, his tenure is also marked by significant hardships for many Russians, leading to questions about the effectiveness and fairness of his reforms. Ultimately, while he laid important groundwork for future governance in Russia, his policies also set the stage for challenges that would later arise under Vladimir Putin.

Related terms

Perestroika: A series of political and economic reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy and society.

Shock Therapy: An economic strategy implemented in Russia in the early 1990s, advocating for rapid transition to a market economy through drastic measures like price liberalization and privatization.

Russian Federation: The country that emerged after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which Yeltsin led as its first president, navigating significant political and economic changes.