Which of the following best characterizes the situation in the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s?
A. People’s freedoms were limited, but the economy was growing.
B. There was greater political freedom, but people still openly protested.
C. There was very little political freedom, and the economy was stagnating.
D. The economy was stagnating, but people's standard of living was still high.
C. There was very little political freedom, and the economy was stagnating.
The correct answer is C. There was very little political freedom, and the economy was stagnating.
To determine the best characterization of the situation in the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s, let's review the options and analyze the information:
A. People's freedoms were limited, but the economy was growing.
B. There was greater political freedom, but people still openly protested.
C. There was very little political freedom, and the economy was stagnating.
D. The economy was stagnating, but people's standard of living was still high.
To find the answer, we need to consider the political and economic conditions during this period in the Soviet Union.
During the 1970s and 1980s in the Soviet Union, there was limited political freedom. The Communist Party held a monopoly on power, and dissent was not tolerated. This limit on political freedoms suggests that option A and B can be ruled out.
In terms of the economy, the Soviet Union experienced a period of stagnation during the 1970s and 1980s. The centrally planned economy, characterized by inefficiency and lack of innovation, struggled to keep up with the demands of the population. This information indicates that option D can be ruled out, as the economy was not growing.
Considering the remaining option:
C. There was very little political freedom, and the economy was stagnating.
This option aligns with the historical information regarding the political and economic situation in the Soviet Union during the 1970s and 1980s. The lack of political freedom, combined with the economic stagnation, accurately characterizes the situation in the Soviet Union during this period.
Therefore, the best characterization of the situation in the Soviet Union in the 1970s and 1980s is option C: There was very little political freedom, and the economy was stagnating.