Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, serving from 1985 until its collapse in 1991. He is best known for his policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring), which aimed to reform the political and economic systems of the USSR. Gorbachev's efforts to introduce more freedom and transparency led to significant changes in Soviet society and ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War. Despite his intentions, Gorbachev faced many challenges, including economic struggles and rising nationalism within the republics of the Soviet Union. His leadership is often viewed as a turning point in world history, as it paved the way for the emergence of independent nations like Ukraine and Lithuania. G