Konstantin Chernenko

Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko (Russian language: Константи́н Усти́нович Черне́нко September 24, 1911 – March 10, 1985) was a Soviet Politician who briefly ruled The Soviet Union. Born to a poor family from Siberia, Chernenko joined the Communist Party in 1931. He was later elected to become a full member of the Politburo in 1978. Following the death of Leonid Brezhnev and his successor Yuri Andropov, Chernenko was elected General Secretary in February 1984. During his brief time in office, Chernenko continued Andropov's reforms. However, his term was cut short due to health problems and he died on March 10, 1985 after leading the country for only 13 months.

Konstantin Chernenko
Константин Черненко
Chernenko in 1982
General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
In office 9 February 1984 – 10 March 1985
Preceded by	Yuri Andropov
Succeeded by	Mikhail Gorbachev
President of the Soviet Union
In office 11 April 1984 – 10 March 1985
Preceded by	Yuri Andropov
Succeeded by	Andrei Gromyko
Second Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
In office 10 November 1982 – 9 February 1984
Preceded by	Yuri Andropov
Succeeded by	Mikhail Gorbachev
Personal details
Born	Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko (1911-09-24)24 September 1911 Bolshaya Tes, Yeniseysk Governorate, Russian Empire
Died	10 March 1985(1985-03-10) (aged 73) Moscow, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
Cause of death	Emphysema and heart failure
Resting place	Kremlin Wall Necropolis, Moscow, Russian Federation
Citizenship	Soviet
Nationality	Ukrainian
Political party	Communist Party of the Soviet Union
Spouse(s)	Faina Vassilyevna Chernenko Anna Dmitrievna Lyubimova
Children	Albert Chernenko Vera Chernenko Yelena Chernenko Vladimir Chernenko
Signature

Biography

Early Life and Career

Chernenko's Party Card (1973)

Konstantin Chernenko was born to a poor peasant family on September 24, 1911, in Bolshaya Tes, Russia. He became a member of the Communist Party in 1931 and worked in various party and government positions, eventually rising through the ranks.

Personal Life

Chernenko married twice, Faina Vassilyevna Chernenko and Anna Dmitrevna Lyubimova. Together, they had 4 children, a son named Albert and had two daughters, Yelena and Vera, and a son, Vladimir.

Rising through the ranks

Document of Chernenko sized from the US embassy in Tehran

He started as a Komsomol activist, later joining the Communist Party. Chernenko held various party positions, showcasing his loyalty to the Soviet regime. His proximity to power increased under Brezhnev, eventually becoming a full member of the Politburo in 1978. After Brezhnev's death in 1982, Chernenko briefly severed as Second Secretary during the brief rule of Yuri Andropov until Andropov's death in February 1984.

Rule (1984 – 1985)

World Map of Socialist and Communist countries during Chernenko's Brief rule

Chernenko served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1984 until his death in 1985. Chernenko pursued a conservative foreign policy, maintaining a firm stance against the West. Domestically, he faced health issues, hindering significant reforms, and his brief tenure limited major policy shifts. Chernenko's tenure is often associated with the later years of the Cold War and the Soviet Union's internal challenges.

Health Problems

Chernenko faced various health issues during his brief time in office from 1984 to 1985. He suffered from emphysema and other respiratory problems, likely exacerbated by his heavy smoking. These health issues ultimately contributed to his death in March 1985.

Legacy

Chernenko's legacy is often overshadowed by his predecessors and the subsequent changes in Soviet leadership. Chernenko's time in office was marked by health issues, and he passed away after just 13 months. His legacy is tied to the later years of the Cold War, but his impact on Soviet history is limited compared to other leaders.

References

Preceded by Yuri Andropov

General Secretary of the Soviet Communist Party 1984–1985

Succeeded by Mikhail Gorbachev