Question

question 8 of 10

which challenge did the soviet economy face in the 1980s?

a. high inflation and food shortages
b. a lack of natural resources
c. a weak gross domestic product
d. low oil and natural gas prices

Explanation:

Analyze Soviet resource dependency

Using the Soviet Union Dissolution knowledge point
The Soviet Union relied heavily on exporting oil and natural gas to fund its economy, import food, and support its military.

Evaluate the impact of global market changes

Using the Gorbachev Reforms knowledge point
In the mid-1980s, global oil prices collapsed dramatically due to overproduction, severely reducing Soviet hard-currency revenue and crippling its economy.

Assess the incorrect options

A lack of resources (B) is incorrect because the USSR was rich in resources. A weak GDP (C) is a symptom rather than the specific external challenge. High inflation (A) was suppressed by state price controls until late in the decade.

Answer:

• (A) High inflation and food shortages
• (B) A lack of natural resources
• (C) A weak gross domestic product
• (D) Low oil and natural gas prices (Correct answer)