Collapse of the USSR

Question 1

What happened in March 1990?

Answer 1

Gorbachev is told by Lithuanian leaders that they want independence. He refuses, but they declare it anyway. Immediately after he receives a similar message from Azerbaijan - sends troops into both countries, but the crisis continues and order is not restored.

Question 2

What happened in May 1990?

Answer 2

Russian Republic - largest within USSR - elect Boris Yeltsin as President. Advocates that each republic should become independent.

Question 3

What happened in July 1990?

Answer 3

Ukraine declares independence, prompting others to do the same. Gorbachev awarded Nobel Peace prize for his contribution to ending the Cold War.

Question 4

What happened in April 1991?

Answer 4

Georgia declares independence

Question 5

What happened in August 1991?

Answer 5

USSR continues to disintegrate. Reformers demand an end to one party government. Communist elite (Prime Minister Pavlov & General Yazov) turn on Gorbachev and plan a coup. Latter is held under house arrest in Crimea and troops are sent to Moscow. Thousands protest the attempted military coup and rally around Yeltsin, prompting its collapse. Gorbachev returns to Moscow.

Question 6

What happened on the 25th December 1991?

Answer 6

Gorbachev recognises that the end is near. In a merry Christmas farewell he resigns and announces the end of the Soviet Union.