Military · Politics · 1911–1985
Born: 24 September 1911 · Died: 10 March 1985 · Age at death: 73
Konstantin Chernenko died aged 73. He was born on 24 September 1911 and died on 10 March 1985.
Soviet politician who led the USSR during the mid-1980s
Did you know?His health was so poor during his leadership that he was once filmed casting a vote from a hospital bed.
Konstantin Chernenko was the last of the Soviet Union's elderly leaders. He rose as Leonid Brezhnev's loyal assistant. When he took over in 1984, he was already seriously ill. His brief rule saw little change and a boycott of the Los Angeles Olympics. Many Soviet citizens grew tired of funerals in Red Square. Three leaders died in under three years. His death cleared the way for a younger generation. Mikhail Gorbachev took over and began dramatic reforms.
Konstantin Ustinovich Chernenko (24 September 1911 – 10 March 1985) was a Soviet politician who served as the de jure leader of the Soviet Union from February 1984 until his death in March 1985.
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Profile
Soviet leader, born 1911
Konstantin Chernenko was born in Bolshaya Tes on 24 September 1911.
He led the Soviet Union for just 13 months.
He took power in February 1984 at 72.
His successor was Mikhail Gorbachev.
Career highlights
Did you know?He was the oldest person to become Soviet leader.
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