• The Soviet export of oil and gas suffered seriously after fuel prices fell on the

world market.

• At the same time, the Soviet Union increasingly depended on imported grain,

and was still unable to meet the demands of the domestic market.

• The increasing lack of food products and basic necessities (footwear, clothes,

etc.), plus escalating prices, caused resentment in the population.

• Soviet foreign policy had reached a dead-end trying to extend Soviet power throughout the world.

Play Role in Policy Change