The Rest Is History 160. The Fall of the Soviet Union
13 snips
Mar 8, 2022 Explore the dramatic events surrounding the Soviet Union's collapse, from Yeltsin's tumultuous rise to power to the chaotic 1991 coup attempt against Gorbachev. Delve into the pivotal moment of the Russian Revolution's 70th anniversary, where reformist and hardline factions clashed. Discover how secret agreements among Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia signaled the union's end and set the stage for Putin's emergence. This journey through late Soviet drama reveals how choices shaped history and the challenges of transitioning to democracy.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Yeltsin's Rise and Fall
- Boris Yeltsin, brought in by Gorbachev to run Moscow, was a populist with a drinking problem.
- His impulsive nature and rivalry with Gorbachev significantly impacted the Soviet Union's trajectory.
Reform Backlash
- Gorbachev's reforms led to confusion and discontent, exacerbated by economic hardships like meat rationing and shortages.
- Opening up the system while the economy was failing created instability.
Putin in Dresden
- While the Berlin Wall fell, Putin, stationed in Dresden, burned files and observed Moscow's inaction.
- He later criticized Gorbachev's weakness, favoring leaders like Stalin and Peter the Great.
