Collapse of the Soviet Union

Definition

The Collapse of the Soviet Union refers to the disintegration of the USSR in December 1991, which ended over seventy years of communist rule and marked a significant turning point in global politics. This event led to the emergence of multiple independent nations from former Soviet republics and fundamentally changed the geopolitical landscape, shifting the balance of power toward the West and initiating a wave of democratization across Eastern Europe.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the decline of communist influence in Eastern Europe, which influenced movements in the Soviet Union.
2. Economic stagnation and inefficiencies within the Soviet economy were major contributing factors to the collapse.
3. The failed coup attempt in August 1991 against Gorbachev weakened the central government's authority and accelerated demands for independence among various republics.
4. On December 25, 1991, Gorbachev resigned as president, effectively marking the official end of the Soviet Union.
5. The collapse resulted in significant geopolitical shifts, leading to the expansion of NATO and increased Western influence in Eastern Europe.

Review Questions

• How did policies like Perestroika and Glasnost contribute to the eventual collapse of the Soviet Union?
  • Perestroika and Glasnost, introduced by Gorbachev, aimed to reform and open up the Soviet political and economic systems. While these policies were intended to strengthen communism by addressing its issues, they inadvertently exposed deep-seated problems within the Soviet structure. Glasnost allowed citizens to voice grievances about government failures, leading to increased public dissatisfaction, while Perestroika's economic reforms resulted in chaos and shortages. Together, these policies weakened government control and catalyzed independence movements across various republics.
• Evaluate how external factors influenced the collapse of the Soviet Union during its final years.
  • External factors played a critical role in hastening the collapse of the Soviet Union. The Cold War arms race strained its economy as it sought to compete with Western powers. The influence of global capitalism became apparent as Eastern European countries transitioned away from communism. Additionally, international pressure from organizations promoting democracy and human rights further highlighted internal weaknesses. The cumulative effect of these pressures made it increasingly difficult for the Soviet regime to maintain its grip on power.
• Assess the long-term implications of the collapse of the Soviet Union on global politics and economics.
  • The collapse of the Soviet Union had profound long-term implications for global politics and economics. It marked the end of the Cold War era, resulting in a unipolar world dominated by the United States. This shift allowed for a significant expansion of NATO into Eastern Europe, creating new geopolitical tensions with Russia. Economically, many former Soviet republics transitioned towards market economies, often facing severe challenges such as corruption and inequality. This period also set the stage for new conflicts based on ethnic nationalism and competition over resources that continue to shape international relations today.

Related terms

Perestroika:

A series of political and economic reforms introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the 1980s aimed at revitalizing the Soviet economy and political system.

Glasnost:

A policy introduced by Gorbachev that promoted transparency, openness, and freedom of information in government and society, allowing for greater public discussion and criticism.

Boris Yeltsin:

The first President of the Russian Federation, who played a crucial role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union and the transition to a market economy.