What were the factors that forced Gorbachev to initiate the reforms in the USSR?
Mikhail Gorbachev initiated reforms in the USSR due to several pressing factors. Reforms were necessary to keep the USSR abreast of the information and technological revolutions taking place in the West. The Soviet Union was lagging behind Western nations in technological and economic development.
Gorbachev promised to reform the economy and catch up with the West by loosening the administrative system. There was also a need to address growing internal problems within the Soviet Union. Additionally, Gorbachev sought to normalise relations with the West and bring democratisation to the Soviet system. These factors collectively forced him to initiate economic and political reforms.
Explanation
The answer draws directly from the textbook context which states that 'Reforms were necessary to keep the USSR abreast of the information and technological revolutions taking place in the West.' The context also mentions Gorbachev's promises to 'reform the economy, catch up with the West, and loosen the administrative system.' The growing internal problems and the need for democratisation are also referenced in the provided text as factors driving the reforms.