Brezhnev - GCSE History Definition

Leonid Brezhnev was a prominent Soviet politician who served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1964 to 1982. He played a key role during the Cold War era, overseeing a period of both significant military build-up and relative stability with the West, known as the "Brezhnev Doctrine," which justified Soviet intervention in other socialist states to maintain their communist governments. Brezhnev's era was marked by increased Soviet influence globally but also stagnation within the USSR, as economic growth slowed, and political repression tightened. His leadership left a mixed legacy and is an essential topic in GCSE History as it helps students understand the complexities of Soviet policies and international relations during the latter half of the 20th century.