Gorbachev, Mikhail

Mikhail Gorbachev was the last leader of the Soviet Union, serving from 1985 to 1991. He is known for introducing reforms called "glasnost" (openness) and "perestroika" (restructuring) to modernize and liberalize the Soviet economy and political system. These changes helped reduce Cold War tensions with the West and led to greater freedom and transparency inside the USSR. Gorbachev’s leadership ultimately contributed to the end of the Soviet Union and the Cold War, making him an influential figure in world history for promoting peace and reform.