Final answer:
Andrei Sakharov was considered a dissident by the Soviet government due to his political criticism, advocacy for nuclear disarmament, and support for independence movements in Soviet republics.
Step-by-step explanation:
Andrei Sakharov was considered a dissident by the Soviet government due to several reasons:
- Political criticism: Sakharov openly criticized the Soviet government's policies and advocated for political reform. He was an outspoken advocate for human rights and democracy, which went against the authoritarian regime of the Soviet Union.
- Nuclear disarmament: Sakharov played a crucial role in the development of the Soviet Union's nuclear program, but later became disillusioned with the arms race and called for nuclear disarmament. His stance on this issue was seen as a threat to the Soviet government's military power and national security.
- Advocacy for independence: Sakharov supported the independence movements in various Soviet republics, including his native country, Russia. His support for self-determination and autonomy for these regions was perceived as a challenge to the centralized control of the Soviet government.