American History Tellers History Daily: A Failed Coup in Moscow
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Aug 19, 2024 Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, shares his firsthand experiences during the dramatic coup attempt in 1991. He discusses the crucial reforms of perestroika that aimed to modernize the USSR but sparked fierce opposition from hardliners. Gorbachev recounts the urgent tension in Moscow and the pivotal role Boris Yeltsin played in rallying citizens against the coup. This gripping narrative highlights the conflict between duty and conscience among soldiers, ultimately leading to Gorbachev's resignation and the rise of a new political era in Russia.
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Moscow Morning
- On August 19, 1991, student Andrei Milov awoke to unusual sounds in Moscow.
- He saw tanks rolling through the streets, marking a political upheaval.
Gorbachev's Reforms
- Gorbachev's liberalization and modernization efforts backfired, leading to the USSR's collapse.
- Many European nations, empowered by newfound freedoms, demanded independence.
USSR's Decline
- The USSR faced economic hardship and a costly war in Afghanistan by 1985.
- Gorbachev aimed to modernize the USSR and end the Cold War's nuclear arms race.