An A* grade essay awarded 18/20 marks on the Russian module about the reasons why the USSR fell in 1991. This Essay is written from 2 extracts not pictured in but easily accessible when looking at past papers. The question is visible and can easily be attempted yourself. The document is typed for a...
Interpretations essay- How far do you agree with the view that the collapse of the
Soviet Union came about because of the role played by Boris Yelstin?
The collapse of the Soviet Union can be attributed to the role played by Boris Yelstin, such
as his ban of all Communist Party activity in Russia, the creation of the Belavezha accords
and the announcement of the dissolution of the USSR. Extract one takes this perspective,
arguing that the collapse was inevitably brought about by Yelstin. Despite this, Extract two
proclaims that it was Gorbachev’s naive approach to policies that eroded the key foundation
of Communism that facilitated the collapse of the Soviet Union. Robert Service has the most
convincing argument as Gorbachev’s failings led to the rapid erosion of the little stability the
USSR had left which allowed Yelstin to out manoeuvre him, leading to the collapse.
Extract One argues that the role of Boris Yelstin was the main contributor to the collapse of
the Soviet Union, as he openly opposed Gorbachev and became a favourable politician with
high status. On June 12th 1991, Yelstin was elected the first President of the Russian
Federation and received 57% of the overall popular vote whereas Gorbachev’s supported
candidate, Nikolai Ryzhov, received only 16%. This highlights the loss of faith and security in
Gorbachev that the soviet citizens had and strengthened Yeltsin's status and control. Yelstin
was then able to declare Russian sovereignty and soon other republics began to follow and
make similar declarations of independence. Westwood describes this as “the transfer of
power from Gorbachev's USSR to the republics was unstoppable with Yelstin setting the
pace” which sets the tone for how Yelstins status and favourableness was able to begin to
break the bonds of the USSR. Additionally, in 1991 the August coup emerged as Communist
leaders attempted to take control from Mikhail Gorbachev due to his reformative perestroika
policy. Gorbachev was held in Crimea whilst Yelstin raced to the Russian White House in
Moscow to defy the Coup and made his memorable speech on a tank outside. Despite the
White House being surrounded by military who were helping the coup, Yelstin’s speech was
able to rally mass opposition against the coup and support was quickly arrived which
crushed the coup and Gorbachev was returned to Moscow. Extract one hails Yelstin as the
“hero of the hour” which shows the status and favorability of Yelstin and the weakened
support for Gorbachev and his government. The coup also demonstrates the weaknesses of
the central government and how Yelstin helps dissolve this. As Yelstins power began to rise
further, him and his government issued a decree which banned all Communist Party
activities on Russian soil which undermined the power of Gorbachev as General secretary
and the President of the Soviet Union. The decree made it impossible for the Communist
Party to function correctly, further speeding up the collapse and “crush(ed) the Communist
Party,once and for all.” On the 8th December 1991, the Belvazha accords were signed and
agreed upon by Yelstin, Ukrainian Leader Lenoid Kravchuk and Belarus’ leader Stapslav
Shushkevich which announced the dissolution of the USSR and the formation a voluntary
commonwealth of independent states (CIS). However Gorbachev was unaware of this and
accused Yelstin of violating the people's will but on 17th December 1991 Gorbachev
accepted the fair accompli and agreed to the dissolution of the Soviet Union. These events
carried out by Yelstin pushed the USSR into a spiral of unrest which led to its collapse and
undermined Gorbachev's power as Yelstin grew in popularity. The argument presented by
extract one is partially convincing as Yelstins popularity and high status helped him gather
support for his declarations however his declarations were superficial as the USSR still
existed with outstanding power in comparison. It’s also not debated in extract one, the
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