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: 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...
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.
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.
Other
Temperament in Revolution Gorbachev
An excellent article about Gorbachev's appointment, goals, accomplishments, and personality.
AllRefer
All Refer Reference: Russia: Postwar Growth Period
This overview of Soviet economic policy after WWII looks at the command or planned economies and decisions of Stalin, Khrushchev, Brezhnev, and Gorbachev.
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: Ex Putschists Defend 1991 Soviet Coup
A look at those who participated in the 1991 Soviet Coup. Leaders of the failed coup describe how they had no regrets for their actions. Article dated July 5, 2001.
Nobel Media AB
The Nobel Prize: Lech Walesa Biographical
The Nobel Foundation provides a brief biography of Lech Walesa after he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. Contains a link to the Nobel presentation speech.
The History Cat
The History Cat: Cold War Germany
Describes what happened to Germany at the end of World War II and the start of the Cold War, how it was divided into East and West Germany with the construction of the Berlin Wall. Western countries worked to rehabilitate their half of...