USA HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Gorbachev’s decision to allow elections with a multi-party system and create a presidency for the Soviet Union began a slow process of democratization that eventually destabilized Communist control and contributed to the collapse of the Soviet Union.

Detailed explanation-2: -The collapse of Soviet Communism led to dislocation of the Soviet Union, sapped by an ideological, political and economic crisis. This in turn precipitated the break-up of the empire, both cause and effect of the end of Communism.

Detailed explanation-3: -In August 1991, communist hardliners and military elites tried to overthrow Gorbachev and stop the failing reforms in a coup, but failed. The turmoil led to the government in Moscow losing most of its influence, and many republics proclaiming independence in the following days and months.

Detailed explanation-4: -Communism’s failure in Eastern Europe and revolution Gorbachev’s abandonment of the Brezhnev Doctrine (which called on the Soviet Union to intervene in countries where socialist rule was under threat) meant unlike previous occasions, the USSR no longer had the means or will to impose military control.