From the archives: Mikhail Gorbachev resigns, USSR falls in 1991

The Dissolution of the Soviet Union & Gorbachev’s Resignation – December 25, 1991

Key Concepts:

• Perestroika & Glasnost: Gorbachev’s reform policies aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy (Perestroika) and increasing openness and transparency in government (Glasnost).
• Cold War: The geopolitical tension between the United States and the Soviet Union and their respective allies.
• Nuclear Codes: The authorization codes required to launch nuclear weapons.
• Successor State: The country recognized as continuing the legal and political existence of a former state (in this case, Russia as the successor to the Soviet Union).
• Tactical Nuclear Weapons: Nuclear weapons designed for use on a battlefield, with lower yield and shorter range than strategic nuclear weapons.
• KGB: The main security agency for the Soviet Union.

The End of an Empire & Gorbachev’s Departure

On December 25, 1991, Mikhail Gorbachev officially resigned as President of the Soviet Union, marking the definitive end of the Soviet empire established after the 1917 revolution. He transferred the nuclear codes to Boris Yeltsin, the President of Russia, as the red flag of the Soviet Union was lowered over the Kremlin and replaced with the Russian flag. Gorbachev, described as “sad and broken,” expressed hope that history would acknowledge his achievements, specifically the granting of freedoms – speech, expression, religion – and the dismantling of totalitarianism. He stated, “Society has been granted its reason has been politically and spiritually unchained and that's our biggest achievement.”

Gorbachev’s Legacy: Peace & Economic Failure

Gorbachev’s leadership is credited with ending the Cold War and halting the arms race, which he described as having “distorted our economy, our mentality and morality.” However, he acknowledged leaving the country in a “dangerous state,” with the old system having collapsed before a new one could be established. Living conditions for Russians were, in many respects, worse at the time of his resignation than when he took office. Despite this, public reaction to his farewell speech was largely sympathetic, with citizens expressing sadness and concern about the future. Jonathan Sanders, CBS News correspondent in Moscow, summarized Gorbachev’s impact: he delivered “freedom of speech and expression…freedom of religion…most importantly, he gave them freedom from fear. He smashed totalitarianism. He took the KGB out of people's lives. He ended the inevitability that people would live under communism.” However, Sanders also noted Gorbachev “failed to deliver freedom from want,” specifically economic stability and the ability for ethnic and national groups to self-define.

The Looming Crisis in the Former Soviet Union

The dissolution of the Soviet Union triggered a period of immense instability. The report highlighted several immediate concerns:

• Economic Collapse: Food and energy prices were predicted to increase by several hundred percent.
• Mass Unemployment: Widespread job losses were anticipated.
• Civil War: The potential for conflict was high, particularly in the “shattered outreaches” of the former superpower. The situation in Georgia, with fighting in the streets against the democratically elected president, was cited as a warning sign.
• Nuclear Proliferation: The possibility of extremist groups gaining access to tactical nuclear weapons posed a significant threat.

The Bush Administration’s Response & Relationship with Yeltsin

President George H.W. Bush had developed a close personal relationship with Gorbachev, referred to as “George and Mika” by some. He planned to deliver a Christmas night address from the Oval Office acknowledging Gorbachev’s contribution to world peace. Bush’s administration was committed to supporting a peaceful transition to democracy in the former Soviet republics and was considering formally recognizing Russia, Ukraine, Armenia, Kazakhstan, and Belarus as successor states. There was also discussion of providing additional Western aid.

However, the White House viewed Boris Yeltsin as “problematic.” While initially snubbed by the Bush administration, Yeltsin’s position had dramatically changed with the collapse of the Soviet Union. The relationship with Yeltsin was described as needing “nurturing” given the high stakes. Bush had been previously criticized for prioritizing his friendship with Gorbachev even as Gorbachev’s power waned.

Reagan’s Perspective & Historical Significance

Former President Ronald Reagan described Gorbachev as a “courageous leader who will live forever in history,” recognizing his pivotal role in ending the Cold War. The report emphasized the historical significance of Gorbachev’s actions, framing his departure as a “magnificent failure” given his contribution to world peace.

The Fragility of Democracy & Potential for Violence

Jonathan Sanders underscored the fragility of democracy in the newly independent republics, noting a lack of ingrained tolerance. He warned that the violence in Georgia could spread, and highlighted the danger of extremist groups acquiring tactical nuclear weapons. He stated, “Democracy is very fragile. There's not toleration yet ingrained here.”

Conclusion

The resignation of Mikhail Gorbachev marked a watershed moment in global history, signifying the end of the Cold War and the dissolution of the Soviet Union. While Gorbachev is credited with liberating Eastern Europe and reducing the threat of nuclear war, his legacy is also marked by economic hardship and political instability in the newly independent states. The future of the former Soviet republics remained uncertain, fraught with the potential for economic collapse, civil war, and the proliferation of nuclear weapons. The United States, under President Bush, was navigating a complex transition, seeking to support democratic development while managing a new relationship with Boris Yeltsin and addressing the inherent risks of a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.