The collapse of the Soviet Union

Question 1

What happened in early 1990 with the Baltic republics?

Answer 1

• In early 1990, some important regions in the Soviet Union demanded independence, especially the Baltic republics (Latvia, Lithuania and Estonia). They were encouraged by the recent success of revolutions across Eastern Europe and by Gorbachev’s policy of glasnost, which gave greater power to individuals and encouraged constructive criticism of Soviet policy.

Question 2

When did Lithuania declare its independence, when were Soviet troops sent to Vilnius?

Answer 2

• Lithuania declared itself independent in March 1990. Soviet troops were sent to Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, in January 1991, and several civilians were killed in the violence that followed. But this only strengthened the independence movement.

Question 3

When did Georgia and Ukraine declare their independence?

Answer 3

• In April 1991, Georgia declared its independence, followed by thee Ukraine’s declaration in August.

Question 4

When did Gorbachev face opposition?

Answer 4

• By 1990, Gorbachev faced opposition from within his own party and the public. The Communist Party was divided - some members wanted more drastic reform and others wanted a return to former Soviet policies. The public were unhappy because Goorbachev’s reforms hadn’t lived up to their high expectations.

Question 5

What did more traditional Soviet communist do to Gorbachev following his reforms?

Answer 5

• More traditional Soviet communists were worried that the Communist Party was so divided it was going to split up.
• They though Gorbachev’s reforms had gone too far and plotted a coup in August 1991.
• They arrested Gorbachev, tried to force him to resign and sent tanks onto the streets of Moscow to deter protesters.
• The coup did not go to plan and it was condemned by Boris Yeltsin, a Soviet politician who opposed Gorbachev and wanted the USSR to adopt capitalism.

Question 6

What were some problems with the economic reforms that had not worked during Gorbachev’s rule?

Answer 6

• The USSR’s economy had not improved, and in 1990 a quarteer of its population was living below the poverty line. Economic corruption was still rife. Inflation was high and basic goods were in short supply.
• The huge costs of the arms race and the war in Afghanistan hindered the reforms too.

Question 7

When did Gorbachev resign?

Answer 7

• On Christmas Day 1991, Gorbachev resigned.

Question 8

When was the USSR dissolved?

Answer 8

• The USSR was dissolved on the 26 December. The republics that made up the Soviet Union had become independent states. These included Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Belarus. The biggest of the republics was Russia. Yeltsin was elected leader and adopted capitalism.