The dissolution of the Soviet Union was the process by which the USSR ceased to exist at the end of 1991. Mikhail Gorbachev's reforms of glasnost and perestroika had loosened central control, and nationalist movements grew in the republics, while the economy deteriorated. After the failed hardliner coup of August 1991, several republics declared independence. In December the leaders of Russia, Ukraine and Belarus signed the Belovezha Accords, announcing the creation of the Commonwealth of Independent States, and Gorbachev resigned as president on 25 December. On 26 December the Supreme Soviet formally recognized the end of the union. Fifteen independent states emerged, with Russia as the successor state, ending the Cold War.
Before and after
- from 16 November 1991 to 30 November 1991The first Women's World Cup is played in China
- 24 November 1991Death of Freddie Mercury
- 8 December 1991Belovezh Accords
- 8 December 1991Founding of Commonwealth of Independent States
- 26 December 1991Dissolution of the Soviet Union
- 28 December 1991Publication of Sailor Moon
- 1992Construction of K'gari
- 1992Founding of Deutsche Börse
- 1992Višegrad massacres
More in Wars, politics & history
- from 12 March 1947 to 25 December 1991Cold War
- from 3 April 1948 to 1 December 1951Marshall Plan
- 10 December 1948Universal Declaration of Human Rights
- 26 July 1953Cuban Revolution
- from 14 October 1962 to 28 October 1962Cuban Missile Crisis
- 24 February 2022Full-scale Russo-Ukrainian war
The era
This moment belongs to the Contemporary world (1945 CE to today), the world since 1945. You can also browse everything in the 20th century.