Social and economic issues after the fall of

the soviet union

Good-bye Soviet Union

• Countries that were part of the Soviet Union suddenly had no one in charge.

• The Communist Central government didn’t exist anymore.

• Countries formerly under their control had to learn and make decisions on basic economic and social issues on their own

Social and economic changes

• The fall of the Soviet Union created MANY changes.

• Some of these changes were in the form of government, economy, the way people communicated, religion, and in several other aspects of life.

Government Type

Before After

Communist government owns farms, factories, and offices

Democratic- citizens govern themselves. (elect officials)

Economy

Before AfterCommand Economy- Some central authority makes economic decisions.Focus on heavy industry, not consumer goods.

Market Economy- businesses are privately owned. What people buy or do not buy determines what is produced.

Agriculture and industry

Before AfterGovernment controlled farms. Government controlled industry.

Told people where to work and what they would be paid.

People are encouraged to have their own farms and foreign investment.

Communications

Before AfterGovernment controlled mass communication- news paper, magazine, phone calls.

Censorship- no criticism of the government. Put forward communist views and belief

Freedom of expression. Little or no censorship.

Religion

Before AfterAtheist- non believers Christianity, Islam,

Judaism

Education

Before AfterFree education from grade school through college. Vocational and technical schools had outdated books and equipment.

Many regions are changing education system to reflect the needs and cultures.

Arts

Before AfterArt work had to agree with Soviet ideas and praise them.

Soviet Realism- all material goods and the means that produced them are property of the community.

No restrictions- artistic freedom