Aim: Identify Events Leading to The Breakup of the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union Faces Turmoil Glasnost, perestroika, & democratization were all means to reform the system The move to reform the Soviet Union ultimately led to its breakup Various nationalities in the Soviet Union began to call for their freedom Ethnic tensions brewed beneath Soviet society Nationalist groups in Georgia, Ukraine, & Moldavia demanded self-rule First Challenge came from Lithuania, Estonia, & Latvia March 1990: Lithuania declared independence Gorbachev reluctant to use stronger measures Jan 1991: Soviet troops attacked unarmed civilians in Lithuania 2

Yeltsin Denounces Gorbachev Assault in Lithuania & lack of economic progress damaged Gorbachev’s popularity People looked to Boris Yeltsin He was member of parliament & former mayor of Moscow Yeltsin criticized the crackdown in Lithuania & the slow pace of reforms June 1991: Voters chose Yeltsin to become the Russian Federation’s first elected president Conservatives were furious that Gorbachev had given up the Soviet Union’s rule as the dominant force in Eastern Europe Feared losing their power & privileges Officials vowed to overthrow Gorbachev 3

The August Coup August 18, 1991: Hardliners detained Gorbachev at his vacation home on the Black Sea They demanded his resignation as Soviet president Soviet people were willing to defend their freedoms Protestors gathered at the Russian parliament building where Yeltsin had his office Yeltsin emerged and climbed atop one of the tanks August 20: Hardliners ordered troops to attack the parliament building but they refused August 21: Military withdrew forces and Gorbachev returned to Moscow 4