The 1991 Soviet coup attempt, also known as the August Coup, was a failed attempt by hardliners of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) to forcibly seize control of the country from Mikhail Gorbachev, who was Soviet president and General Secretary of the CPSU at the time. The coup leaders consisted of top military and civilian officials, including Vice President Gennady Yanayev, who together formed the State Committee on the State of Emergency. They opposed Gorbachev's reform program, were angry at the loss of control over Eastern European states and fearful of the New Union Treaty, which was on the verge of being signed by the Soviet Union (USSR). The treaty was to decentralize much of the central Soviet government's power and distribute it among its fifteen republics.
Conservative members of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union attempt to depose Mikhail Gorbachev in a coup d'état
The 1991 Soviet coup attempt, also known as the August Coup, was a failed attempt by hardliners of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) to forcibly seize control of the country from Mikhail...
Historical Significance
The 1991 Soviet coup attempt, also known as the August Coup, was a failed attempt by hardliners of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) to forcibly seize control of the country from Mikhail Gorbachev, who was Soviet president and General Secretary of the CPSU at the time.
Key People
Events Before
Alan Hale Jr. dies
Alan Hale Jr., American actor, known for american actor, died on 1990-01-02. Alan Hale Jr. was an American actor and restaurateur.
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage
Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber (41) divorces singer/dancer Sarah Brightman (29) after almost 7 years of marriage
NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
NFL coach Jimmy Johnson (46) divorces Linda Kay Cooper after 26 years of marriage
John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open
John McEnroe becomes the first player to be expelled from the Australian Open
Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage
Actor Michael Keaton (38) divorces actress Caroline McWilliams (44) after 7 years of marriage
Events After
Grace Hopper dies
Grace Hopper, American u.s. naval officer and computer scientist, known for u.s. naval officer and computer scientist, died on 1992-01-01.
MLB baseball right fielder Sammy Sosa (23) weds Sonia Rodriguez
MLB baseball right fielder Sammy Sosa (23) weds Sonia Rodriguez
The Maastricht Treaty is signed by 12 countries from the European Community (EC) to create the European Union (EU)
The European Union is a geo-political entity, created in 1993, covering a large portion of the European continent.
American record producer Lou Adler (58) weds American actress Page Hannah (27) (Daryl's sister)
American record producer Lou Adler (58) weds American actress Page Hannah (27) (Daryl's sister)
NHL players begin first strike in 75-year history; 10 day action earns large playoff bonus increase, more control over l
NHL players begin first strike in 75-year history; 10 day action earns large playoff bonus increase, more control over licensing of their likenesses and changes to free agency system
More from the 1990s
Bryson Tiller is born
Bryson Tiller musician, known for american singer, was born on 1993-01-02. Bryson Djuan Tiller is an American R&B singer and rapper.
Alan Hale Jr. dies
Alan Hale Jr., American actor, known for american actor, died on 1990-01-02. Alan Hale Jr. was an American actor and restaurateur.
Poppy [Moriah Rose Pereira] is born
Poppy [Moriah Rose Pereira] is born
Peter Burling is born
Peter Burling, New Zealand athlete, known for new zealand sailor, was born on 1991-01-01. Peter Burling is a New Zealand sailor.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What happened on August 19, 1991?
- The 1991 Soviet coup attempt, also known as the August Coup, was a failed attempt by hardliners of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) to forcibly seize control of the country from Mikhail Gorbachev, who was Soviet president and General Secretary of the CPSU at the time. The coup leaders consisted of top military and civilian officials, including Vice President Gennady Yanayev, who together formed the State Committee on the State of Emergency. They opposed Gorbachev's reform program, were angry at the loss of control over Eastern European states and fearful of the New Union Treaty, which was on the verge of being signed by the Soviet Union (USSR).
- Why is Conservative members of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union attempt to de... significant?
- The 1991 Soviet coup attempt, also known as the August Coup, was a failed attempt by hardliners of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) to forcibly seize control of the country from Mikhail Gorbachev, who was Soviet president and General Secretary of the CPSU at the time.
- Who was involved in Conservative members of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union attempt to de...?
- Key figures include Mikhail Gorbachev.