The Collapse of the Soviet Union, 1985-1991 by David R. Marples

by David R. Marples

Why did the Soviet Union collapse in 1991?The collapse of the Soviet Union has widely been seen as the result of the arms race and Cold War, and the failure of the Soviet side to keep pace with new technology. This book argues that the disintegration was mainly a result of two interrelated the rise of the Soviet national republics, and the manipulation of the new Russian presidency by Boris Yeltsin in what became a direct power struggle between Yeltsin and the Soviet leader, Gorbachev.Written in a clear and accessible manner, the book explanation of how the national question came to dominate Soviet politics by 1990-1 analysis of the economic crisis that occurred in the late 1980s a chapter devoted to the year 1991, from the referendum to reform the Soviet Union to the unforeseen dissolution of the country by December a discussion of the personalities of and political confrontation between the two key Gorbachev and YeltsinAlso containing a Chronology, Glossary and Who's Who of key figures, The Collapse of the Soviet Union is essential reading for students of twentieth century European history.

Genres: History, Russia, Soviet Union

Paperback Bunko

First published January 1, 2004

Reviews

[Houston Martinez · Rating 4 out of 5]

Accessible read for those interested in a deeper analysis of why the Soviet Union collapsed. As Marples argues, the collapse was brought about by the combination of Gorbachev’s policies of Glasnost and Perestroika, the rise of nationalist sentiment in Soviet republics as a direct result of Gorbachev’s reforms, and most significantly, Gorbachev’s relationship with Yeltsin. I would also argue that the putsch of August 1991 was the final battle of the personal struggle between the two presidents that solidified the RSFSR’s control over the USSR.

[Hugolane · Rating 4 out of 5]

This provides a very good overview of the factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union. The argument that the rise of the republics as a distinct political force and Yeltsin as a representative of that but also a force able to challenge Gorbachev is made clearly and concisely. My main quibble was I was hoping to read more about the specific developments in various republics, particularly Ukraine, and these were glossed over in order to make the large case.

[Collin Haese · Rating 3 out of 5]

The last of the academic books for my "History of the Soviet Union" class. Gorbachev was a shimmer of hope for the USSR, but the policies needed to revive the failing state were the same ones which led to its dissolution. From 35 years in the future, it seems Yeltsin's dismantling of the state was not the best decision and cast millions of people into unemployment and poverty.