Yuri Andropov

**Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov** (; 15 June 1914 – 9 February 1984) was a Soviet politician who briefly served as the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union from 1982 until his death in 1984. He previously headed the KGB and played a role in suppressing dissent. Andropov's time in power was marked by a focus on domestic issues and efforts to combat corruption, but his tenure was cut short by his death.

## Biography

Yuri Andropov was born on June 15, 1914, in Nagutskoye, Russia. His early life was shaped by the aftermath of the Russian Revolution, and he grew up during a period of significant political and social change. Andropov joined the Komsomol (Communist Youth League) in 1930 and became a member of the Communist Party in 1939. His career in the Soviet security apparatus began in the 1930s, and he steadily climbed the ranks. Andropov's intelligence work included serving as the Soviet ambassador to Hungary during the Hungarian Revolution of 1956. His role in suppressing the uprising contributed to his reputation within the Communist Party leadership. Andropov continued to ascend in Soviet politics, becoming the head of the KGB in 1967. His leadership at the KGB was marked by a focus on suppressing dissent and maintaining strict control. In 1982, Yuri Andropov became the General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, succeeding Leonid Brezhnev. Andropov focused on strengthening the USSR's global position. Domestically, he tightened control to suppress dissent, while internationally, he pursued a cautious approach, emphasizing arms control and improving relations with the West, yet maintaining Soviet influence in global affairs. His brief tenure limited the scope of major policy changes. However, his time as the leader was short-lived, as he passed away in 1984.

## Personal Life

Andropov lived at 26 Kutuzovsky Prospekt with Leonid Brezhnev and Mikhail Suslov. Andropov married twice, Nina Ivanovna (Married 1935, Divorced 1941), and Tatyana Andropova (Married 1941). They had 4 children, Evgenia Andropova, Igor Andropov, Irina Andropova, and Vladimir Andropov.

### Health Problems

Andropov faced various health issues, including kidney failure and diabetes. His health declined, leading to his death in 1984.

## Legacy

Andropov is often remembered for his short tenure and the crackdown on dissent. His legacy includes efforts to combat corruption and a focus on discipline in the Soviet system. His time in power was marked by political repression and a lack of significant reforms.

## Infobox (officeholder)

- **name**: Yuri Andropov
- **image**: Andropov (upscale).jpg
- **caption**: Andropov in 1974
- **citizenship**: Soviet Union, Soviet
- **office**: General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
- **term start**: 10 November 1982
- **term end**: 9 February 1984
- **predecessor**: Leonid Brezhnev
- **successor**: Konstantin Chernenko
- **office2**: :en:List of heads of state of the Soviet Union, President of the Soviet Union
- **term start2**: 16 June 1983
- **term end2**: 9 February 1984
- **predecessor2**: Vasili Kuznetsov (politician), Vasili Kuznetsov (acting)
- **successor2**: Vasili Kuznetsov (acting)
- **office3**: Secretariat of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Second Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union
- **term start3**: 25 January 1982
- **term end3**: 10 November 1982
- **predecessor3**: Mikhail Suslov
- **successor3**: Konstantin Chernenko
- **office4**: 4th List of Chairmen of the KGB, Chairman of the Committee for State Security (KGB)
- **term start4**: 18 May 1967
- **term end4**: 26 May 1982
- **premier4**: Alexei Kosygin
Nikolai Tikhonov
- **predecessor4**: Vladimir Semichastny
- **successor4**: Vitaly Fedorchuk
- **birth name**: Yuri Vladimirovich Andropov
- **birth place**: Stanitsa Nagutskaya,  Stavropol Governorate, Russian Empire
- **death place**: Moscow, Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, Russian SFSR, Soviet Union
- **death cause**: Renal failure
- **party**: Communist Party of the Soviet Union
- **spouse**: Tatyana Andropova (m. 1940s–1984; <small>his death</small>)
- **children**: Igor Andropov
Irina Andropova
- **residence**: Kutuzovsky Prospekt
- **signature**: Yuri Andropov Signature.svg