Coup Attempt Against Mikhail Gorbachev Collapses
August 21st, 1991
August 21st, 1991
How Long Ago?
33 years, 6 months, 22 days ago
Location
Moscow, Russia
Category
Politics & Government
People
- Boris Yeltsin
- Mikhail Gorbachev
- Viktor Chebrikov
- Boris Pugo
- Oleg Shenin
Links & References
Tags
Coup Attempt Against Mikhail Gorbachev Collapses
A coup attempt against Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev began but faced significant resistance from the public and political leaders, culminating in its failure. The coup was orchestrated by hardline elements within the Communist Party who opposed Gorbachev's reforms and his moves to reduce the power of the central government. Key moments included public protests in Moscow and the defiance of Russian President Boris Yeltsin, who urged citizens to oppose the coup. By the end of the events, Gorbachev returned to power, but the coup severely weakened the Communist Party and altered the political landscape of the Soviet Union.
Coup leaders aimed to reverse Gorbachev's reforms.
Boris Yeltsin played a key role in resistance.
Public protests helped collapse the coup.
Event catalyzed the fall of the Soviet Union.
What Happened?
In August 1991, hardline communists within the Soviet government attempted to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev, the General Secretary of the Communist Party, as he pursued policies of openness (glasnost) and restructuring (perestroika). The coup began on the morning of August 19, when Gorbachev was vacationing in Crimea. The coup leaders declared a state of emergency and placed Gorbachev under house arrest, claiming he was unable to govern due to health concerns. They aimed to revert to a more traditional Soviet governance structure by rolling back Gorbachev’s reforms, which they believed had led to national decline and rising unrest among various Soviet republics.However, the coup faced significant resistance almost immediately. Boris Yeltsin, then President of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic, rallied citizens outside the Russian White House, calling for protests against the coup. Demonstrators climbed tanks and publicly demanded the restoration of Gorbachev’s authority. The coup began to falter when military support waned, and local leaders opposed the coup leaders' directives. By August 21, less than three days after it began, the coup collapsed. Gorbachev returned to Moscow, but the attempted coup profoundly destabilized the Communist Party and hastened the dissolution of the Soviet Union just a few months later in December.
Why Does it Matter?
The failed coup against Gorbachev is intriguing because it marked a critical turning point in Soviet history and contributed significantly to the end of communist rule in the Soviet Union. It showcased the growing political power of Boris Yeltsin and catalyzed a series of events leading to the USSR's dissolution. Additionally, the coup's failure demonstrated the limits of state power and the rising aspirations for democracy among the Soviet populace, setting the stage for post-Soviet reforms and transitions in Eastern Europe.
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