Collapse of the Soviet Union

Death of Leonid Brezhnev

Nov 10, 1982

After the death of Brezhnev, his next two sucessors each dies after only a year in office. The Soviet Union is forced to find new leadership.

Mikhail Gorbachev Elected Soviet Leader

Mar 11, 1985

Gorbachev becomes the youngest leader of the Soviet Union since Stalin. His reforms make the Soviet Union a more open society.

Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty

Dec 8, 1987

Realizing the Soviet Union can no longer afford a costly arms race with the United States, Gorbachev signs the INF Treaty.

Lithuania Declares Independence

Mar 11, 1990

In response to the declaration of independence, Gorbachev orders a violent crackdown that results in the death of unarmed civilians.

The August Coup Begins

Aug 18, 1991

Hardliners detain Gorbachev and demand he resign.

The August Coup

Period: Aug 18, 1991 to Aug 21, 1991

Although the coup does not succeed, it greatly destabilised the Soviet Union.

The End of the Soviet Union

Dec 25, 1991

Gorbachev resigns and the Soviet Union ceases to exist.