Revolution and counter-revolution in the USSR: opposition to Gorbachev's policies; nationalist unrest; deepening economic and political crises; the coup of August 1991 and Yeltsin's counter-attack; Gorbachev's resignation as president; the collapse of the USSR; reasons for Gorbachev's apparent failure
Gorbachev's reforms unleashed forces he could not control. By December 1991, a failed coup, rising nationalism, and economic collapse had destroyed the Soviet Union entirely.
Real World
On 19 August 1991, hardline Communist plotters placed Gorbachev under house arrest in Crimea, but Boris Yeltsin stood on a tank outside the Russian parliament and called for public resistance — within three days the coup had collapsed, fatally discrediting the Communist Party and accelerating the USSR's disintegration.
Exam Focus
For 'why did the USSR collapse' questions, prioritise structural causes such as nationalism and economic failure over the coup itself, which was a trigger not a cause.
Essay Framework
Use PEEL to structure every paragraph. Tap each step for guidance and an example.
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