1. Fall of the Soviet Union

2. I. Mikhail Gorbachev A. 1985-Gorbachev, head of USSR, begins new policies to improve pol., soc., & economic conditions –1. Glasnost: openness; more free speech & govt. criticism allowed –2. Perestroika: economic reforms w/limited moves toward a free market

3. Unrest B.Gorbachev increasingly criticized: eco. In bad shape C.Boris Yeltsin is outspoken critic for more and faster reform. D.Communist hardliners & conservatives are against any more reform E. Unrest in E. Europe is encouraged by glasnost. Berlin Wall brought down by Germans in 1989 Other E. European nations also begin protests F. To appease conservatives, Gorb. Rolls back some glasnost reforms

4. II. The Coup Attempt A.Aug 1991: Coup attempt to restore old order B. Mil. & Communist hardliners arrest Gorbachev. C. Yeltsin emerges as a hero of the public & major leader, & defies the coup. D. Soldiers refuse to fire on their own citizens who want an end to Communism E.Coup fails; Gorb. further weakened.

5. III.The End of the USSR A.By Sept. 1991, all Soviet Republics declare independence B.Dec. Gorbachev dissolves Communist Party C.The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) is formed D.Gorbachev resigns on Christmas Day. E.Yeltsin becomes first president of independent Russia.