In 1991, the Soviet Union was suffering from a series of crises, ranging from economic decline following a fall in oil prices to the independence movements of its various republics.
Hardliners within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union believed that Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet president and the party’s general secretary, was responsible for many of the country’s woes and considered his policies, such as Perestroika and Glasnost, to be subversive.
These reforms introduced market-oriented policies and greater political openness, developments that greatly alarmed communist hardliners.
On Aug. 18, 1991, the hardliners launched a coup while Gorbachev was on holiday at his dacha in Crimea.
After placing Gorbachev under house arrest, the hardliners rolled tank units into Moscow and attempted to seize key government buildings.
The coup was soon met with strong resistance from many Russians who opposed a return to the old system.
The putsch collapsed within three days, accelerating the dissolution of the USSR later that year.
Hyundong Lee Staff Reporter junior/1787710872/1613367831
1. What crises troubled Soviet Union in 1991?
2. Why did hardliners oppose Gorbachev's reforms?
3. Where was Gorbachev placed under house arrest?
4. How long did coup attempt last?
1. Why can political reforms create resistance?
2. What lessons can failed coups teach?
3. Should citizens resist attacks on government?
4. How can openness change a society?
In 1991, the Soviet Union was suffering from a series of crises, ranging from economic decline following a fall in oil prices to the independence movements of its various republics.
