The collapse of the Soviet Union
I can explain the events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
The collapse of the Soviet Union
I can explain the events that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union.
These resources will be removed by end of Summer Term 2025.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- From 1989, the Soviet Union lost control of Eastern Europe and Germany was reunified as a democratic state.
- The Warsaw Pact ended in July 1991.
- In August 1991, Gorbachev was briefly overthrown by a coup and when he returned to power his authority was weakened.
- From 1990 onwards, demands for independence from Soviet republics critically weakened the Soviet Union.
- On 25th December 1991, Gorbachev resigned as Soviet leader and announced the dissolution of the Soviet Union.
Keywords
Reunification - bringing things or people back together after they have been separated
Coup - a sudden and illegal takeover of a government, usually by a small group of people, often involving the military
Republic - one of the multiple states that were joined together as part of the Soviet Union under the central Soviet government
Dissolution - when a country or organisation officially ends or breaks apart
Common misconception
The collapse of the Soviet Union happened suddenly.
The collapse of the Soviet Union was a complex process that unfolded over several years, starting with political reforms under Mikhail Gorbachev in the late 1980s and culminating in the formal dissolution in December 1991.
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
Lesson video
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Starter quiz
6 Questions
Exit quiz
6 Questions
had many admirers and won an award for peace
became increasingly unpopular and was forced to step down