The Fall of the Soviet Union and the August 1991 Coup

What was the primary reason for the August 1991 coup against Gorbachev?

• His alliance with Boris Yeltsin

• His military expansion plans

• His democratic reforms and policies

• His support for traditional Soviet values

How did Boris Yeltsin establish his political influence during the period leading up to the coup?

• By forming alliances with Russian workers and pro-democratic groups

• By supporting Gorbachev's policies

• By aligning with conservative politicians

• By increasing military spending

What was one of the main challenges historians face when studying the August 1991 coup?

• Overwhelming support for the coup

• Lack of interest in the topic

• Gorbachev's refusal to discuss the events

• Distorted and incomplete historical records

Who were the principal engineers of the August 1991 coup?

• Independent business leaders

• Low-ranking military officers

• High-ranking officials in the USSR

• Foreign diplomats

What was the first step taken by the emergency committee during the coup?

• Declaring war on neighboring countries

• Negotiating with foreign powers

• Appealing to economic self-interest

• Forming a new political party

What significant action did Gorbachev take in his final days as president?

• He formed an alliance with the KGB

• He increased military presence in Eastern Europe

• He banned the Communist Party from government

• He expanded the Communist Party's role

What was the outcome of the coup for Boris Yeltsin?

• He fled the country

• He was arrested and imprisoned

• He gained political influence and power

• He joined the Communist Party

What was the fate of the KGB following the coup?

• It gained more power

• It was dissolved along with the Communist Party

• It took control of the government

• It became an independent organization

How did the public react to the emergency committee's actions during the coup?

• They joined the committee

• They were indifferent to the events

• They ignored the committee's orders

• They supported the committee

What was the historical significance of the August 1991 coup?

• It marked the end of the Soviet Union's influence in Eastern Europe

• It strengthened the Soviet Union

• It led to a new era of communism

• It resulted in a military dictatorship