important dates
March 11, 1990: Lithuania Declares Independence
Why it was important: Lithuania became the first Soviet republic to declare independence from the USSR. This sparked a domino effect of independence movements and sovereignty declarations across other republics, severely challenging Moscow's authority.
Mikhail Gorbachev
What he did: He instituted two landmark policies: Perestroika (economic and political restructuring) to decentralize the economy, and Glasnost ("openness") to allow freedom of speech and political transparency. He also allowed multi-party elections and refused to use military force to keep Eastern European communist regimes in power.
1990–1991
Individual republics took advantage of Gorbachev’s perestroika and glasnost reforms to declare their sovereignty and independence, beginning with the Baltic states (Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia)
What were the core causes of the collapse?
The USSR collapsed under the weight of a rigid command economy, severe resource shortages, prolonged stagnation, and massive military spending (exacerbated by the war in Afghanistan
August 19–21, 1991: The August Coup
Why it was important: Hardline Communist officials attempted a coup d'état to overthrow Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev. The coup failed due to massive popular resistance led by Russian President Boris Yeltsin. It permanently shattered Gorbachev's political authority and proved that power had shifted from the central government to the individual republics.
Boris Yeltsin
Why he was important: During the August 1991 coup attempt by communist hardliners, Yeltsin famously stood on a tank outside the Russian parliament building to rally popular resistance. After the coup failed, Yeltsin signed the December 1991 Belovezh Accords alongside the leaders of Ukraine and Belarus, legally dissolving the USSR and establishing the Commonwealth of Independent States.
March 1990:
The Soviet Congress of People's Deputies voted to end the Communist Party's monopoly on power, shifting away from a strict one-party state.
When did the Soviet union formally dissolve?
The Soviet union formally dissovles in December 26,1991 breaking into 15 independent countries
December 8, 1991: The Belavezha Accords
Why it was important: Leaders from Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus signed an agreement that declared the Soviet Union effectively dissolved. In its place, they created the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), rendering the central Soviet government obsolete.
Vladimir Kryuchkov
Why he was important: By attempting a forceful coup, they inadvertently destroyed the last remaining pillars of Soviet authority. Their failure shattered Gorbachev's authority entirely and shifted political momentum completely over to Boris Yeltsin and the democratic reformers
What role did Mikhail Gorbachev play?
As General Secretary, Gorbachev introduced policies intended to save the Soviet system but ultimately dismantled it. His key reforms were Perestroika (economic restructuring) and Glasnost (political openness).
December 25, 1991: Mikhail Gorbachev Resigns
Why it was important: Gorbachev announced his resignation as the President of the Soviet Union and transferred his presidential powers, including control of the nuclear launch codes, to Russian President Boris Yeltsin.
What was Glasnost?
Glasnost, meaning "openness," permitted greater freedom of speech, allowed criticism of the Communist Party, and released previously censored information. This allowed pent-up frustration with the government to surface openly
December 26, 1991: Formal Dissolution
Why it was important: The Supreme Soviet, the highest legislative body, passed Declaration No. 142-N, officially voting the Soviet Union out of existence. The Soviet flag was permanently lowered from the Kremlin the following day.
What was Perestroika?
Perestroika, meaning "restructuring," decentralized economic controls, introduced limited private enterprise, and allowed more independence for state enterprises. It caused economic disruption rather than improvement.