Fall of the Soviet Union Timeline Study Notes

President Ronald Reagan proposes the Strategic Defense Initiative (SDI), a program intended to protect the United States from potential nuclear missile attacks through the development of ground-based and space-based systems.

Mikhail Gorbachev becomes the leader of the Soviet Union, initiating significant reforms aimed at addressing the economic stagnation and political issues facing the country.

Economic Shift: Oil prices fall to almost half of their 1985 average, causing a significant economic downturn. This fall in oil prices continues for the rest of the decade, leading to a steep decline in Soviet oil production starting from 1987.
End of Aid: Gorbachev officially ends economic aid to Soviet satellite states, signaling a departure from previous policies that aimed to maintain control over Eastern European nations.

Afghanistan Withdrawal: Soviet troops withdraw from Afghanistan after a prolonged conflict, with official casualty figures reported as 15,000. However, estimates suggest the real total may be as high as 75,000, from a maximum troop deployment of 150,000, with around 600,000 having served at some point.
Polish Solidarity Movement: The Solidarity movement in Poland wins significant congressional elections, leading to Lech Walesa’s presidential victory the following year.
Berlin Wall Falls: In November, the Berlin Wall falls, symbolizing the collapse of communist control in Eastern Europe. Subsequently, communist governments in Czechoslovakia, Bulgaria, and Romania fall over the next month, indicating a wave of change across the region.

East Germany: In March, the East German communist party loses its grip on power during congressional elections, ultimately leading to the reunification of East and West Germany in October.
Law on Republics' Sovereignty: The Soviet Union passes a law enabling republics to break away if a 2/3 majority is achieved in a referendum, altering the political landscape of the USSR.
Boris Yeltsin's Declaration: In June, Boris Yeltsin, the Russian President, leads the congress to declare Russia's sovereignty from the Soviet Union (removing its status as the largest Soviet Socialist Republic).
Failed Coup: In August, hardline military leaders attempt a coup to seize power in Moscow to stop the perceived decline of the USSR and Gorbachev's control. The coup is ultimately unsuccessful, resulting in the arrest of the coup leaders.
Political Reformation: Following the coup attempt, Yeltsin takes action to replace regional leaders who had supported the coup.

Belavezha Accords: The Belavezha Accords, signed in December, declare the dissolution of the Soviet Union, leading to the formation of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) comprising Belarus, Ukraine, and Russia.
Dissolution of the Warsaw Pact: In July, the Warsaw Pact, a military alliance of Eastern Bloc countries, is dissolved, marking the end of Soviet influence in Eastern Europe.
Withdrawal from Warsaw Pact Nations: Between 1990 and 1991, the Soviet Union withdraws its nuclear and conventional forces from the member nations of the Warsaw Pact, signifying a significant de-escalation of military tensions in the region.