Yeltsin and the Collapse of the USSR

Question 1

Why did Yeltsin become critical of Gorbachev?

Answer 1

Because of his unwillingness to embrace wholesale political and economic reform

Question 2

How did Yeltsin undermine the Communist party?

Answer 2

• Attacked corruption and privileges of the party - Publicly attacked anti-reform communists - Campaigned for radical reform in 1989, won 89% in Moscow

Question 3

How did Yeltsin impact the popularity of the Communist party?

Answer 3

• Resigned in 1990, causing decline due to his popularity - Party membership dropped by 2.7 million

Question 4

How did Yeltsin undermine Gorbachev’s position?

Answer 4

• Presented himself as rival non-communist leader - Opinion polls showed he was more popular than Gorbachev

Question 5

What role did Yeltsin play in the nationalist resurgence?

Answer 5

• Emphasised Russian rights and autonomy, weakening USSR - Supported nationalism in other republics and rival national governments

Question 6

How did Yeltsin establish a rival powerbase?

Answer 6

• Won Russian parliament and presidential elections, gaining democratic legitimacy - Gorbachev lacked electoral legitimacy and weakened his own powerbase

Question 7

What role did Yeltsin play in the Coup?

Answer 7

• Led opposition to the coup - Used it to ban the Communist Party - Seized party assets, weakening its control of the union