The Soviet Union Started To Collapse 25 Years Ago

RT: 25 years on: Failed coup that ended the Soviet Union (PART 1)

The junta that tried to seize power in the Soviet Union on August 18-21, 1991, is one of the most inept in the history of palace coups. Not only did it fail to take power, but it also brought about the opposite of its aims – the collapse of the USSR.

The coup was triggered by the New Union Treaty, Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev’s stillborn, last-ditch attempt to save the USSR. The union was in the midst of an uncontrollable collapse of its command economy and being torn apart by its increasingly-nationalist minorities.

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WNU Editor: The big fear that I had during this time was that the protests against the coup plotters would result in a Russian version of a Tienanmen Square massacre. It did not .... and it was then that I personally accepted the inevitable that the Soviet Union would cease to exist as the state that I grew up in. Not surprising .... even though Russian state media is talking abut this anniversary today, the Kremlin wants it to be low key .... Putin bans anniversary of defeated KGB coup (The Times).

More News On The Collapsed Of The Soviet Union 25 Years Ago

Russia Marks 25th Years Since Failed Soviet Coup -- AP
Twenty five years ago the USSR collapsed -- Euronews
25 years ago, a failed coup in Moscow killed a superpower. Now it’s back -- Steve LeVine, Quartz
The Soviet empire collapsed 25 years ago, but history did not end -- Tom Switzer (Australian Financial Review)
What Happened To The August 1991 Soviet Coup Plotters? -- RFE