In a task prepared by political leaders, Khrushchev was overthrown from power in 1964. He was replaced by Leonid Brezhnev, and Alexi Kosygin. The official reasons given for his (Khrushchev) replacement was his advanced age of 70, and declining health. The real reason was dis-satisfaction with the policies and style of his government. Specifically, Khrushchev was criticized for the inadequate performance of the economy, especially the agricultural section because there had been a bad harvest in 1963. Also some other factors that aided with Khrushchev's ejection was the humiliation of the USSR in the Cuban missile crisis; for the widening split with China; and for his flamboyant personal style. Public surveys taken in the 1970's, throughout the 80's indicated that most of the Russian citizenry had a favorable view of their life during the regime after Khrushchev, namely the Brezhnev era (1964-1982). .
Despite many negative social, political, and economic features of the time, a substantial majority thought of the Brezhnev era as more or less positive. Leonid Brezhnev was the true representative of a bureaucracy. In the 1960's and 70's the Russian economic and political structure became complex. It was impossible at that time to rule the country on the basis of the decisions of a single individual. He never attempted to become a dictator like much of his predecessors. It seemed as though Brezhnev enjoyed the prestige and opportunities of leadership more than the power of decision making. .
Brezhnev later emerged as the dominant force and was named General secretary of the Communist Party. He transferred more power to his party and government system than any of his predecessors had done. Brezhnev's conservative leadership style was very different from Khrushchev's reformative reign. .
Soviet Society favored Brezhnev because he tried very hard despite his declining health to keep Russia calm and stable.