Country Studies US
Country Studies: Russia: Gorbachev's Reform Dilemma
An excellent article describing the Russian legislature (Congress of People's Deputies). Explains how and why this government instution was created. Also examines the various groups and factions which comprised this legislative body.
Geographic
Workmall: Russia: Gorbachev's Reform Dilemma
This site discusses the opposition that Gorbachev's political reforms met and how a multiparty system evolved.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev
Biographical account of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, reformer of the Soviet Union. Includes information regarding Gorbachev's ascension to power with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and his role in reducing the Cold War...
Boston University
Gorbachev's Reforms
University students discuss Gorbachev's life and reforms in the U.S.S.R. Also includes information about the Bolshevik Revolution.
BBC
Bbc: Cold War: Reform, Coup and Collapse: The End of the Soviet State
A series of six pages that chronicle the demise of the Soviet Union.
BBC
Bbc: Three Days That Shook the World
In 1991, communist hardliners attempted to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev for his reforms leading to the break-up of the Soviet Union. The coup lasted for three days. Article dated August 15, 2001.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Perestroika Defined (1987)
Perestroika, as defined by Mikhail Gorbachev. This excerpt includes the many definitions and applications of the concept of perestroika when used to describe the internal reforms of the Soviet Union that occurred during the 1980s.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Soviet Union: Congress of People's Deputies
The Congress of People's Deputies was a Russian representative body (legislature) created during the Gorbachev era. This is an excellent article describing how the body was formed, membership, and responsibilities.
BBC
Bbc News: Russian Ex President Yeltsin Dies
Information about the death of Russia's first President, Boris Yeltsin. Provides highlights of his political career including his banning of the Communist Party in the early 1990s. (4/23/07)
Digital History
Digital History: Collapse of Communism
Overview of the collapse of communism at the end of the 1980s and early 1990s ushered in by Mikhail Gorbachev and his reforms.
Siteseen
Siteseen: American Historama: Glasnost
Learn about the policy of Glasnost that was used by Mikhail Gorbachev to bring reforms to the Soviet Union.
Country Studies US
Country Studies: Russia the Economy Historical Background
This economic history of the Soviet Union examines the eras of Lenin and Stalin and postwar policy under Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and the reform period of Gorbachev.
Curated OER
Pro Yeltsin Tank Driver
In 1991, communist hardliners attempted to overthrow Mikhail Gorbachev for his reforms leading to the break-up of the Soviet Union. The coup lasted for three days. Article dated August 15, 2001.