In 1931, a boy was born in Privolnoye, Stavropol Krai.

The boy's name was Mikhail Gorbachev.

His family was poor like many others under the Soviet rule. During 1932-33 there was a large scale famine that caused one of Mikhail's aunts and uncles to perish.

During Mikhail's younger years the leader of the Soviet Union was Joseph Stalin, known for his ruthlessness and lack mercy. Many feared him and feared going against him.People who've worked under in his council, took leadership(after fighting each other) after he died from a cerebral hemorrhage(brain bleeding).

Shortly following the famine was the Great Purge, during this time a myriad of people were killed. Both of Mikhail's grandfathers were placed in gulags(work camps). Both of his grandfathers were eventually released, one of them told Mikhail about the treatment he received during his time in the gulag. Hearing this made Mikhail think about the government and how this was likely happening to others who were wrongly convicted and placed in work camps like his grandfathers.