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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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