The U.S.S.R. First Congress of People's Deputies: Complete Documents.

Theen, Rolf H.W., Editor

Published by Publication Date: 1991

New York: Paragon House, 1991. 4 Volumes. Theen, Rolf H.W., Editor. The U.S.S.R. First Congress of People's Deputies: Complete Documents and Records, May 25, 1989-June 1, 1989. New York: Paragon House, [1991]. First edition. 4 volumes. Original black cloth with gilt spine and front covers. Fine. Internally clean. A well preserved set. $150. * Provides a complete set of documents and records detailing the proceedings of this historic meeting, held from May 25 to June 1, 1989. The congress was a pivotal event during Mikhail Gorbachev's reform efforts of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), marking the first partially free, competitive elections in Soviet history. The congress was established in 1988 by constitutional amendment and superseded the Supreme Soviet as the highest organ of state power. This was part of Gorbachev's strategy to introduce a more democratic structure and weaken the power of the old guard in the Communist Party. The delegates to the congress were chosen in the first partially free elections in the Soviet Union since the 1920s. These elections, held in March 1989, allowed for multiple candidates, including non-communists, to run for office. The congress's sessions were broadcast live on Soviet television, captivating millions of viewers across the country. For the first time, Soviet citizens could witness open, uncensored debates where deputies, including prominent figures like Andrei Sakharov, publicly criticized the Soviet system. Despite a majority of hardliners, reformers used the congress as a platform to challenge the Communist Party's authority and propose changes. The discussions highlighted deep-seated ethnic and social issues previously hidden by censorship. The political awakening sparked by the televised congress and the open debates among factions ultimately accelerated the decline of the centralized Soviet state. It demonstrated that radical reform was possible, emboldened democratic and national independence movements, and paved the way for the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991. Contents: Volume 1. First-eighth Sessions, May 25-June 1, 1989; Volume 2. Eight-thirteenth Sessions, June 1-June 9, 1989; Volume 3. Documents and Media Reports; Volume 4. Documents and Media Reports. The proceedings of the entirely new legislative body, the Congress of People's Deputies, created in 1988, taking the first majo. Seller Inventory # 82200

Bibliographic Details

Title: The U.S.S.R. First Congress of People's ...
Publication Date: 1991
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: New York: Paragon House, 1991. 4 Volumes.
Edition: 1st Edition