August Coup 1991

Definition

The August Coup of 1991 was an attempted coup d'état by hardline members of the Soviet government and military to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev and reverse his reforms. This event marked a significant turning point in the history of the Soviet Union, leading to increased public unrest, the rise of Boris Yeltsin as a key political figure, and ultimately contributing to the collapse of the Soviet state later that year.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The coup began on August 19, 1991, when a group of hardline communists attempted to seize power while Gorbachev was on vacation in Crimea.
2. During the coup, tanks were deployed in Moscow, but they were met with significant resistance from citizens and pro-democracy activists led by Boris Yeltsin.
3. The coup failed after just three days due to mass protests and a lack of support from the military, leading to the arrest of coup leaders.
4. The aftermath of the coup significantly weakened Gorbachev's authority, as he was seen as unable to maintain control over the party and state.
5. The failure of the August Coup is often considered a pivotal moment that expedited the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which officially occurred in December 1991.

Review Questions

• What were the main motivations behind the August Coup of 1991, and how did these motivations reflect the tensions within the Soviet government at that time?
  • The main motivations behind the August Coup were rooted in a desire among hardline communists to maintain traditional Soviet power structures and roll back Gorbachev's reforms like Perestroika and Glasnost. They feared that Gorbachev's policies were leading to a loss of control over the republics and weakening communist ideology. This tension highlighted deep divisions within the Soviet leadership regarding how to adapt to changing political dynamics and manage rising nationalist movements.
• Evaluate Boris Yeltsin's role during the August Coup and its impact on his political career in post-Soviet Russia.
  • Boris Yeltsin played a crucial role during the August Coup by mobilizing public opposition against the hardline conspirators. His defiance, especially when he stood atop a tank outside the Russian White House, galvanized support among citizens and positioned him as a champion of democracy. The failure of the coup ultimately elevated his status as a leader, enabling him to take charge during Russia's transition away from Soviet rule, leading to his election as president in 1991.
• Analyze how the failure of the August Coup contributed to the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union and what this meant for global politics.
  • The failure of the August Coup significantly weakened Gorbachev's position while bolstering Yeltsin's authority, marking a critical juncture in Soviet history. This event accelerated calls for independence among various republics and hastened the collapse of communist power. By December 1991, with multiple republics declaring independence, this dissolution reshaped global politics, leading to the emergence of new nation-states, altering alliances, and impacting geopolitical relations as former Soviet territories sought their own paths.

Related terms

Perestroika: A series of political and economic reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy and political system.

Glasnost: A policy introduced by Gorbachev that promoted openness and transparency in government institutions and freedom of information.

Boris Yeltsin:

The first President of the Russian Federation, known for his opposition to the coup and leadership during the transition from Soviet rule.