What is stagnation (period)? The era of stagnation in the history of the Soviet Union

Everyone who studied history at school or was just born in the 60s. Of the last century, knows that some historians refer to the Brezhnev era in a special way. They believe that this was a "stagnation" - a period that is characterized by the canning of the old communist regime. However, some historians disagree with this term.

Consider the polar points of view on this issue in more detail.

Time frame of the period

It is generally accepted that this stage in the development of the Soviet state began with the advent of the new Secretary General. His name was Brezhnev Leonid Ilyich. He appeared on this post unexpectedly, because of the voluntary and compulsory retirement of the "reformer" NS. Khrushchev in the early 60's. last century.

The reign of Brezhnev lasted 18 years. In general, it was an attempt to preserve the achievements of the USSR, which the country achieved under Stalin.

Characteristics of the era

Unlike the formidable Stalin, Leonid Ilich was distinguished by the softness of character and the lack of desire for extraordinary social transformations. During his reign, the purges of the party apparatus ceased, which allowed officials to work in their posts without fear of being fired. Ordinary Soviet citizens were much less afraid of power, often discussed the problems of socialist society in family conversations in their kitchens, and waited for change.

The underground market began to develop due to the shortage of food and consumer goods, which contributed to the emergence of black schemes of resale of goods.

As a whole, stagnation is a special period in the history of the USSR. On the one hand, this era was characterized by stability and tranquility in social terms. On the other hand, Soviet people, closed by the Iron Curtain, increasingly reflected that the capitalist world also has its advantages, and dreamed of leaving abroad. A special myth was created that the Western man as a whole lives much better and more comfortable than a citizen of the USSR.

Positive features of this period

The period of stagnation in the USSR was characterized by many features that were unique to this time:

1. Stable development of spheres of culture, art, education, science, mass construction.

It was in the Brezhnev era that many people were able to obtain long-awaited individual apartments. Active construction of new microdistricts, simultaneously with which kindergartens, polyclinics, schools, palaces of children's creativity were put in operation.

The system of education was developing, universities were being opened. Every young man who came from the remote area and has a minimum amount of money, could enter a prestigious university, if he had the ability and knowledge. Also, medical care was available to a wide range of people.

Both education and medicine were really free.

2. Social guarantees

The state provided social guarantees to its citizens. So, everyone could get a job to provide for themselves and their family. Strict censorship of the media made it possible to control the flow of information, so it was generally positive. The military might of the USSR made it possible to keep opponents of our state in check and not wait for an attack from outside.

By and large Brezhnev's stagnation became the most quiet period in the history of the USSR.

Negative features of this period

Among the negative features are:

1. Life in the period of stagnation was complicated by the fact that ordinary citizens lacked consumer goods - clothing and household items, as well as some foodstuffs were in short supply. This happened in the field of food because many rural residents left for cities, not wanting to work on collective farms. Since the repressive system of the USSR significantly reduced its pressure, the authorities could not prevent such relocation.
2. The military industry and military technologies were actively developing, but the spheres that led to the emergence of technical innovations in the West: video recorders, players and other goods, did not progress. This circumstance aroused an increased interest in the products of the capitalist world on the part of Soviet people.
3. The party top, not updated by new people, has grown old. In fact, it began to represent a closed clan, where ordinary capable managers could not get into it, everyone solved the problems: they gave a high social status, and received special benefits and rights in Soviet society.
4. The ideas of socialism and communism gradually declined, most citizens lost faith in these ideals and were waiting for the renewal of the ideological component of life.

Who first called this period "stagnant"?

For the first time the Brezhnev period was called "stagnation" by the young and promising general secretary M. Gorbachev, addressing the listeners in 1986. Many then were in agreement with the opinion of the Secretary General. The country was waiting for change, people hoped that after the era of the "dying old men" (Brezhnev, Andropov and Chernenko) a new life would come.

Unfortunately, these hopes did not materialize: the country was waiting for a period of perestroika (which the shrewd philosopher Zinoviev called "katosroyoka"), the disintegration of the USSR, social upheavals and a difficult era of general collapse in the 1990s.

Brezhnevsky stagnation - the period of the beginning of the destruction of the USSR?

Today historians very differently assess this stage of development of our country. Scientists of the liberal camp say that the USSR began to collapse precisely at this time, and Gorbachev only completed the process of irreversible disintegration of the country.

On the whole, these historians, the former Soviet Union itself, do not particularly favor, believing that its destruction only benefited the whole of humanity.

Other scientists hold the opposite position. In particular, they believe that stagnation - a period in the development of the country is not easy, but still positive. In fact, it was an unsuccessful attempt to create "socialism with a human face," without the repressive system of Stalin.

Therefore, today some of our fellow citizens of the older generation, the period of stagnation in the Soviet Union, assess positively. They say that at that time they felt support from the state, they knew that they could not just be fired from their jobs, they could expect to receive quality and free medical care and good and also free education.