The Collapse of the Soviet Union: Timeline

Aug 1991

A coup is attempted; Gorbachev is arrested.

Mar 1989

Elections are held for the new parliament.

Jul 1989

Gorbachev "frees" Warsaw Pact nations.

Dec 1985

Gorbachev appoints Yeltsin head of the Moscow Commmunist party.

Mar 1985

Gorbachev becomes leader of the USSR.

Jan 1987

Gorbachev proposes sweeping changes in the USSR.

Nov 1987

Gorbachev publishes the book "Perestroika," and fires Yeltsin.

Jun 1991

In a free election Russians choose Yeltsin as president.

Nov 1989

The Berlin wall comes down.

Dec 1991

The Soviet union is dissolved.

Jul 1990

Yeltsin leaves the communist party and begins attacking Gorbachev.