The August Putsch, also known as the August Coup, was a failed attempt by hardline Communist officials in the Soviet Union to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev's reformist government in August 1991. This pivotal moment marked a significant turning point in the struggle between traditional Soviet leadership and the forces advocating for reform, leading to increased public support for Gorbachev's reforms and ultimately accelerating the collapse of the Soviet Union.
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The coup began on August 19, 1991, when a group of hardline Communist Party leaders attempted to take control while Gorbachev was on vacation in Crimea.
The coup was characterized by the establishment of an Emergency Committee that sought to restore strict central control over the Soviet Union.
Boris Yeltsin famously stood on a tank outside the Russian White House, rallying citizens to resist the coup, which galvanized public support against the conspirators.
The failure of the August Putsch led to the rapid dissolution of the Communist Party's power and increased calls for independence among various Soviet republics.
Just days after the coup's failure, Gorbachev resigned as General Secretary of the Communist Party, effectively marking the end of Communist rule in the Soviet Union.
Review Questions
How did the August Putsch influence public perception of Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership?
The August Putsch significantly altered public perception of Mikhail Gorbachev's leadership. Initially viewed with skepticism by some segments of society, Gorbachev's commitment to reform became more apparent during the coup attempt. His decision to remain out of sight during critical moments led to questions about his leadership, but ultimately, his ability to survive the coup strengthened support for his reform policies among many citizens who sought change.
Evaluate Boris Yeltsin's role during the August Putsch and its impact on his political career.
Boris Yeltsin played a crucial role during the August Putsch by actively opposing the coup and rallying public support for democratic reforms. His iconic stance atop a tank in front of the Russian White House positioned him as a national hero and a symbol of resistance against hardline communists. This act not only solidified his popularity but also paved the way for his eventual election as President of Russia, significantly altering the political landscape in post-Soviet society.
Analyze how the failure of the August Putsch contributed to the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union.
The failure of the August Putsch was a catalyst for the dissolution of the Soviet Union as it exposed deep divisions within the Communist Party and showcased widespread public support for reformist movements. The coup's collapse weakened hardline elements within the government and emboldened nationalist movements across various republics seeking independence. This shift in power dynamics accelerated calls for sovereignty among these republics, leading to a rapid disintegration of central authority and ultimately culminating in the formal dissolution of the Soviet Union in December 1991.
The last General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union, Gorbachev introduced significant reforms such as perestroika (restructuring) and glasnost (openness) aimed at revitalizing the Soviet economy and society.
A prominent political figure who emerged during the coup, Yeltsin was the President of the Russian Republic and played a crucial role in opposing the coup, becoming a symbol of resistance against the hardline communists.
Perestroika: A series of political and economic reforms initiated by Gorbachev aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy and transitioning it towards a more market-oriented system.