Title: Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as president of the USSR - HISTORY
Headings: Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as president of the USSR
THIS DAY IN HISTORY
Mikhail Gorbachev resigns as president of the USSR
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Content: The economy was unstable. No one seemed pleased by Gorbachev-some opponents demanded even more political freedom while hard-liners in his government opposed any movement toward reform. In August 1991, he survived a coup attempt only through the assistance of Russian Federation president Boris Yeltsin. Following the failed attempt, Yeltsin became a vocal critic of the slow pace of economic and political reforms in the country. As Gorbachev’s power slipped away, Yeltsin took over the Kremlin and other Soviet government facilities and replaced the Soviet flag with the flag of Russia. After over 70 years of existence, the Soviet Union—America’s archenemy in the Cold War—was gone. READ MORE: How Gorbachev and Reagan's Friendship Helped Thaw the Cold War
FACT CHECK: We strive for accuracy and fairness. But if you see something that doesn't look right, click here to contact us!