Mikhail Gorbachev biography timeline

Birth of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, Privolnoye, Stavropol krai, North Caucasus

Appointedandidate Member of Communist Party

Enters the Law Faculty of Moscow State University

Appointed Member of Communist Party

Marries Raisa Titorenko, a philosophy student at Moscow University

Graduates from the Law Faculty at Moscow University

Appointed Organizer of local Komsomol

Appointed First Secretary of the Stravropol City Komsomol Committee

Appointed First Secretary of the Stravropol City Komsomol Committee

Appointed 2nd Secretary of the Komsomol Krai Committee

Appointed 2nd Secretary of the Komsomol Krai Committee

Appointed First Secretary of the Komsomol Krai Committee

Appointed First Secretary of the Komsomol Krai Committee

Appointedarty Organizer of a Territorial Production Association

Enrols in the Stavropol Agricultural Institute

Completes his agricultural degree

Appointed First Party Secretary, Stavropol kraikom

Elected a member of the CPSU Central Committee after the 24th Party Congress.

Appointed Secretary for Agriculture of the CPSU Central Committee at its plenum

Appointed Official in charge of agricultural production, under Andropov

Appointed Member of Politburo, Candidate Member

Appointed Member of Politburo

France gets its 1st delivery of Soviet natural gas

Russia & China sign a $1.2 billion trade agreement

Russia & China sign a $1.2 billion trade agreement

Makes a conference speech supporting reform & introducing "perestroika" & "glasnost"

Visits Margaret Thatcher at her invitation as an up & coming leader

Russian growth is %2.6, lowest since World War II. Oil and gas constituted eighteen percent of exports in 1972 and 54 percent by 1984

Makes a positive impression on Thatcher, "A man I can do business with"

The Politburo vote to appoint Gorbachev as Chernenkos successor. Appointed President of Russia. Appointed General Secretary of the Communist Party

Appointed President of the Supreme Soviet

The Communist Party plenum ratify Gorbachevs succession

Leads the funeral procession

Russia announces a unilateral freeze of medium-range nuclear missiles

Russia announces a unilateral freeze of medium-range nuclear missiles

Announces the suspension of the deployment of SS-20 missiles in Europe

Pravda calls Regans visit to Bitburg Nazi cemetry an "act of blasphemy"

Pravda calls Regans visit to Bitburg Nazi cemetry an "act of blasphemy"

Announces a unilateral Soviet moratorium on nuclear testing.

1st meets President Reagan, later describes him as a "political dinosaur"

Russia & the US agree "nuclear war cannot be won". Russia & the US agree not to "achieve military superiority". Meets President Reagan to speed up arms control & renew cultural relations

Meets Reagan to discuss arms control

Russia & the USA agree "nuclear war cannot be won". Russia & the USA agree not to "achieve military superiority". Meets Reagan to discuss arms control

Russia & the USA agree "nuclear war cannot be won"

Reduces vodka production by 60% & increases its price by 200% by 6 months in office

Announces a 15 yr timetable for the abolition of all nuclear weapons

Disorders in Tbilisi, 20 demonstrators are killed by Soviet troops

Reporting restrictions are restored, only Tass bulletins are published

Speaks on Russian TV because radiation levels can be measured in the west

Speaks on Russian TV because radiation levels can be measured in the west

Legislation is passed allowing free enterprise

Disorders in Alma

Creates a Parliament called the Congress of Peoples Deputies

Attempts to prevent private enterprise on the black market

Appointed Member of Politburo

Legislation is passed allowing free enterprise. Attempts to prevent private enterprise on the black market. A law against unearned income is passed

Begins a series of summit meetings with President Reagan

Proposes elections for party officials, a practice which is soon adopted

Proposes elections for party officials, a practice which is soon adopted

Proposes a separate agreement on abolition of medium range nuclear missiles in Europe. Drops his insistence on the curtailment of the US SDI program

Gorbachev & Sakharov meet publicly in Moscow at the International Peace Forum

27th Party Congress

Creates co-operative businesses in catering, services & consumer goods manafacture

Creates co-operative businesses in catering, services & consumer goods manafacture

Pravda announces larger constituencies & more candidates than seats in local elections

Pravda uses the word "democracy" for "multi-candidate" elections

Pravda announces larger constituencies & more candidates than seats in local elections

Pravda uses the word "democracy" for "multi-candidate" elections

Pravda announces larger constituencies & more candidates than seats in local elections

Proposes cuts to the US by offering to remove short range missiles from Eastern Europe

Proposes removing Russias short range missiles from Eastern Europe

Proposes removing Russias short range missiles from Eastern Europe

Legislation allowing free enterprise comes into effect

The unauthorized landing of German amateur aviator Mathias Rust just next to the Kremlin enabled Gorbachev to remove many hardline opponents of his reforms, including Defence Minister Marshal Sergei Sokolov

At the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), Gorbachev presents his "basic theses," which laid the political foundation of economic reform for the remainder of the existence of the Soviet Union

At the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), Gorbachev presents his "basic theses," which laid the political foundation of economic reform for the remainder of the existence of the Soviet Union

At the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), Gorbachev presents his "basic theses," which laid the political foundation of economic reform for the remainder of the existence of the Soviet Union.

The original version of the Soviet Joint Venture Law, which went into effect in June 1987, limited foreign shares of a Soviet venture to 49 percent and required that Soviet citizens occupy the positions of chairman and general manager.

The original version of the Soviet Joint Venture Law, which went into effect in June 1987, limited foreign shares of a Soviet venture to 49 percent and required that Soviet citizens occupy the positions of chairman and general manager

The original version of the Soviet Joint Venture Law, which went into effect in June 1987, limited foreign shares of a Soviet venture to 49 percent and required that Soviet citizens occupy the positions of chairman and general manager

At the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), Gorbachev presents his "basic theses," which laid the political foundation of economic reform for the remainder of the existence of the Soviet Union.

The original version of the Soviet Joint Venture Law, which went into effect in June 1987, limited foreign shares of a Soviet venture to 49 percent and required that Soviet citizens occupy the positions of chairman and general manager.

The withdrawal of Soviet troops from Afghanistan is announced

The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union passes the Law on State Enterprise, the law stipulates that state enterprises are free to determine output levels based on demand from consumers and other enterprises

The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union passes the Law on State Enterprise, the law stipulates that state enterprises are free to determine output levels based on demand from consumers and other enterprises

At the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), Gorbachev presents his "basic theses," which laid the political foundation of economic reform for the remainder of the existence of the Soviet Union

In the 70th Anniversary speech says Stalins crimes were "enormous & unforgiveable"

Gorbachev dismisses Yeltsin as Moscow party chief

A Treaty is signed ending all intermediate-range nuclear weapons in Europe

Gorbachev pays a visit to the USA

The Comecon agrees to discuss co-operation with the European Community

At the Central Committee of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU), Gorbachev presents his "basic theses," which laid the political foundation of economic reform for the remainder of the existence of the Soviet Union

Gorbachev presents the Law on the State Enterprise, factories and mines the right to decide what to produce after satisfying the basic requirements of the state planning authorities

The Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union passes the Law on State Enterprise, the law stipulates that state enterprises are free to determine output levels based on demand from consumers and other enterprises.

The original version of the Soviet Joint Venture Law, which went into effect in June 1987.

limited foreign shares of a Soviet venture to 49 percent and required that Soviet citizens occupy the positions of chairman and general manager.

Russian forces begin to withdraw from Afghanistan

Agrees with President Reagan that Russia & the US should reach a settlement on Angola

This record states: Gorbachev presents the Law on the State Enterprise, factories and mines the right to decide what to produce after satisfying the basic requirements of the state planning authorities.

This record states: Gorbachev presents the Law on the State Enterprise, prices were to be set by enterprises and not the planning authorities.

This record states: Limited foreign shares of a Soviet venture to 49 percent and required that Soviet citizens occupy the positions of chairman and general manager.

This record states: The original version of the Soviet Joint Venture Law, which went into effect in June 1987.

"Perestroika", argues that national union is the greatest achievement of socialism

Creates co-operative businesses in catering, services & consumer goods manafacture. New law on "socialist enerprise"

1st advertisement in a Soviet newspaper appears in Izvestiya

The Nagorny-Karabakh Soviet votes for a transfer to Armenia

About a million Armenians demonstrate for Armenian reunification

Takes place in Azerbaijan after a conflict with Muslim Azerbaijanis

Crowds of Azeris rampage through the city of Sumgait, at least 32 Armenians are killed

Announces Russias withdrawal from Afghanistan

The 4th meeting between Reagan & Gorbachev. INF Treaty ratification documents are exchanged between Russia & the USA

For the first time since Vladimir Lenins New Economic Policy, the law permits private ownership of businesses in the services, manufacturing, and foreign-trade sectors. Allows foreigners to invest in the Soviet Union in the form of joint ventures with Soviet ministries, state enterprises, and cooperatives

For the first time since Vladimir Lenins New Economic Policy, the law permits private ownership of businesses in the services, manufacturing, and foreign-trade sectors. Allows foreigners to invest in the Soviet Union in the form of joint ventures with Soviet ministries, state enterprises, and cooperatives

Addresses a special Communist Party conference & outlines "a new image of socialism"

Calls for multi-candidate elections for regional and local legislatures and party first secretaries and insisted on the separation of the Government apparatus from party bodies at the regional level, as well

Addresses a special Communist Party conference & outlines "a new image of socialism".

At the CPSUs Nineteenth Party Conference, the first held since 1941, Gorbachev and his supporters launched radical reforms meant to reduce party control of the Government apparatus.

Calls for multi-candidate elections for regional and local legislatures and party first secretaries and insisted on the separation of the Government apparatus from party bodies at the regional level, as well.

Addresses a special Communist Party conference & outlines "a new image of socialism"

Andrey Gromyko retired from the Politburo, Yegor Ligachev was relieved of the ideology portfolio within the Politburos Secretariat, and Boris Pugo replaced Politburo member Mikhail Solomentsev as chairman of the powerful CPSU Party Control Committee

At an unprecedented emergency Central Committee plenum called by Gorbachev in September 1988, three stalwart old-guard members left the Politburo or lost positions of power

Glasnost leads to the USSR Supreme Soviet dissenting with the Politburo & Central Comm

The Supreme Soviet agrees to the foundation of the Congress of Peoples Deputies

The Supreme Soviet agrees to the foundation of the Congress of Peoples Deputies. The Supreme Soviet abolishes itself. The Congress of Peoples Deputies will have 2,250 members. The Congress of Peoples Deputies will elect the Supreme Soviet. The Congress of Peoples Deputies will be elected except for 750 nominated by the CPSU

The Congress of Peoples Deputies will elect the Supreme Soviet

The Congress of Peoples Deputies will elect the Supreme Soviet

The Supreme Soviet abolishes itself

The Congress of Peoples Deputies will elect the Supreme Soviet

The Supreme Soviet dissolves itself. The Supreme Soviet approved formation of a Congress of Peoples Deputies, which constitutional amendments had established as the Soviet Unions new legislative body

The Supreme Soviet dissolves itself. The Supreme Soviet approved formation of a Congress of Peoples Deputies, which constitutional amendments had established as the Soviet Unions new legislative body

Pakistan and Afghanistan, with the United States and Soviet Union serving as guarantors, sign an agreement settling the major differences between them known as the Geneva Accords

Appointed Chairman of the Presidium of the USSR Supreme Soviet, Head of State

25,000 people died because of the 1988 Spitak earthquake due poorly built structures apartments and other buildings during the Brezhnev stagnation

For the first time since Vladimir Lenins New Economic Policy, the law permits private ownership of businesses in the services, manufacturing, and foreign-trade sectors. Allows foreigners to invest in the Soviet Union in the form of joint ventures with Soviet ministries, state enterprises, and cooperatives. The rationing of meat was policy in twenty-six of the fifty-five regions of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1988 alone

The Azeri attack the Armenians & in Sumgait at least 32 Armenians are killed

Andrey Gromyko retired from the Politburo, Yegor Ligachev was relieved of the ideology portfolio within the Politburos Secretariat, and Boris Pugo replaced Politburo member Mikhail Solomentsev as chairman of the powerful CPSU Party Control Committee.

For the first time since Vladimir Lenins New Economic Policy, the law permits private ownership of businesses in the services, manufacturing, and foreign-trade sectors. Allows foreigners to invest in the Soviet Union in the form of joint ventures with Soviet ministries, state enterprises, and cooperatives.

Refers to major changes initiated by Gorbachev to the structure and function of the political and economic control of the Soviet Union allowing more independent actions from the various ministries and eventually to the dismantling of the Soviet Union. Perestroika, a political movement within the Communist Party of the Soviet Union widely associated with the Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev,lliteral meaning is "restructuring"

The Supreme Soviet dissolves itself. The Supreme Soviet approved formation of a Congress of Peoples Deputies, which constitutional amendments had established as the Soviet Unions new legislative body.

Appointed President of Russia, has a power base outside the Communist Party

The rationing of meat was policy in twenty-six of the fifty-five regions of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic in 1988 alone

Removes the Party from economic management

Russia promises to eliminate stockpiles of chemical weapons

Russia promises to eliminate stockpiles of chemical weapons

Russia announces that all but a small rear-guard contingent of its troops had left Afghanistan

The last Russian troops withdraw from Afghanistan. Russian withdrawal signifies a Mujahadin victory. 14,454 Russians had died in the conflict

Disorders in in Nagorno-Karabakh, ethnic conflicts

A demonstration of 10,000 in Tashkent wish to make Uzbek their state language

Yeltsins presence in the Supreme Soviets Chamber of Peoples Deputies provided a focus for the reformist minority, the legislature becomes a more pluralist body than Gorbachev intends. The March 1989 election of the Congress of Peoples Deputies marked the first time that voters of the Soviet Union ever chose the membership of a national legislative body

The USSR Supreme Soviet is replaced by the USSR Congress of Peoples Deputies

The March 1989 election of the Congress of Peoples Deputies marked the first time that voters of the Soviet Union ever chose the membership of a national legislative body. Fails to support Yeltsin against the conservatives, leads to Gorbachevs downfall. Elections for the Congress of Peoples Deputies, 80% of candidates are CPSU members. Communist Party members have to stand in elections for the 1st time ever

The March 1989 election of the Congress of Peoples Deputies marked the first time that voters of the Soviet Union ever chose the membership of a national legislative body

A Nationalist demonstration is suppressed by army intervention

The initial session of the Congress of Peoples Deputies. Gorbachev was elected without opposition to the chairmanship of the new Supreme Soviet; then the Congress of Peoples Deputies elected a large majority of old-style party apparatchiks to fill the membership of its new legislative body

The initial session of the Congress of Peoples Deputies

In the summer of 1989, the first opposition bloc in the Congress of Peoples Deputies formed under the name of the Interregional Group

In the summer of 1989, the first opposition bloc in the Congress of Peoples Deputies formed under the name of the Interregional Group

In the summer of 1989, the first opposition bloc in the Congress of Peoples Deputies formed under the name of the Interregional Group

Miners go on strike

Popular Fronts form a chain from Vilnius to Tallin, day of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact

The day of the Ribbentrop-Molotov Pact. Popular Fronts form a human chain from Vilnius to Tallin

The Berlin wall falls & demonstrations of German unity are held in the DDR

The Berlin wall falls & demonstrations of German unity are held in the DDR

1st national movement, Sajudis, is formed in Lithuania

1st national movement, Sajudis, is formed in Lithuania

The 1st Soviet leader to visit the Vatican

The Romanian Government is overthrown

The Romanian Government is overthrown

Mitterand visits Gorbachev in Kiev to to try & delay the fall of the Berlin Wall

The Czech Government resigns in the wake of mass demonstrations

The Czech Government resigns in the wake of mass demonstrations

Mitterand visits Gorbachev in Kiev to try & delay the fall of the Berlin Wall

The USSR Supreme Soviet is replaced by the USSR Congress of Peoples Deputies. In front of the Central Committtee says Russia must be restructured

The Head of the Presidium officially is recognized as the President of Russia

Appointed President of Russia, Head of the Presidium

Namibia proclaims its independence after Cuba withdraws

Namibia proclaims its independence after Cuba withdraws

Meets Bush in a warship off Malta, tells him Russia does not regard the US as an enemy

Russian forces complete their withdrawal from Afghanistan

Meets Bush in a warship off Malta, tells him Russia no longer sees the US as an enemy

The Cental Committee of the CP in USSR votes to end the CP political monopoly

Russia agrees to withdraw troops from Czech by July 1991

Lithuania declares independence in accordance with its constitution of 1938

Lithuania becomes the 1st republic to declare independence

Lithuania declares independence in accordance with its constitution of 1938

Lithuania becomes the 1st republic to declare independence

Lithuania declares independence in accordance with its constitution of 1938

Sworn in as the 1st executive President of the USSR

Sworn in as the 1st executive President of the USSR

Warns Lithuania to withdraw its declaration of independence but it refuses

Warns Lithuania to withdraw its declaration of independence but it refuses

Russia sends in the tanks to discourage secession

Radical groups win in the cities & many prominent party officials are defeated. Gorbachev is elected for the third time in eighteen months to a position equivalent to Soviet head of state. "Democratic Russia" wins 85% of the seats in the Congress of Peoples Deputies. "Democratic Russia" wins 56% of seats in the city soviet

Gorbachev is elected for the third time in eighteen months to a position equivalent to Soviet head of state

The Kremlin admits to the massacre of 15,000 Polish army officers by the NKVD in 1940

Estonia votes to secede from the USSR

Latvia votes to secede from the USSR

Estonia votes to secede from the USSR

Latvia votes to secede from the USSR

The turning point in Yeltsins career, he skillfully lobbies the Russian Federations Supreme Soviet (legislature) to elect him - over Gorbachevs prefered candidate - as its Speaker

Visits the USA & is offerred financial aid

Russian Parliament votes its laws take precedence over the USSR

Yeltsin is elected President of Russia, the largest Republic

The Russian Federation declares itself a sovereign state

Uzbekistan declares independence

Uzbekistan declares independence

The Ukrainian Parliament votes for sovereignty

The Ukrainian Parliament votes for sovereignty

By the time of the Twenty-Eighth Party Congress in July 1990, the CPSU was regarded by liberals and nationalists of the constituent republics as anachronistic and unable to lead the country

Non Communist Parties triumph in elections in Georgia & call for independence

Non Communist Parties triumph in elections in Georgia & call for independence

Non Communist Parties triumph in elections in Georgia & call for independence

A gunman opens fire on Gorbachev during the Revolution Day parade

With the resignation Foreign Minister Eduard Sheverdnadze, the last major liberal in Gorbachevs circle, Gorbachev is left isolated amongst the hard-liners

Visits the USA & is offerred financial aid. Gorbachev agrees to East & West Germany having a single NATO force

Moscow uses economic pressure and restrictions against the Baltic republics during their drive for greater independence.

The Baltic States are blockaded by Russia while the USA turns a blind eye

The Comecon ceases to function

Appointed Chair of the Constitutional Committee elected by the CPD

Chairs a committee elected by the CPD to replace the 1977 constitution

Triples bread prices in order to move toward a "regulated market economy"

"Democratic Russia" wins 85% of the seats in the Congress of Peoples Deputies. "Democratic Russia" wins 56% of seats in the city soviet. Reformers & Popular Fronts sweep to victory to the Supreme Soviet of the Union.

Elections are held after the USA & Russia agree not to support Contras & Sandanistas. Elected Head of State by the Congress of Peoples Deputies

Radical groups win in the cities & many prominent party officials are defeated. Gorbachev is elected for the third time in eighteen months to a position equivalent to Soviet head of state.

Receives the Nobel Peace Prize for his leading role in the peace process and major changes in East-West relations.

Gorbachev agrees to East & West Germany having a single NATO force

For campaigning for human rights in Myanmar

Stresses "values common to all mankind" over the "class struggle"

The Russian Communist Party is founded

Gorbachev agrees to East & West Germany having a single NATO force

Soviet troops storm a television station in Vilnius

A referendum in Lithuania votes in favour of independence from Moscow

Gorbachev proposes a timetable for Iraqi withdrawal and an end to fighting.

A small majority for his proposal for a federation of socialist sovereign republics

Small majority a renewed federation of socialist sovereign republics

Georgia proclaims independence from Moscow

Georgia proclaims independence from Moscow

Georgia proclaims a general strike

Georgia proclaims a general strike

Troops are moved into Ossetia to reassert control over Georgia

Georgia proclaims a general strike

Troops are moved into Ossetia to reassert control over Georgia

Troops are moved into Ossetia to reassert control over Georgia

Troops are moved into Ossetia to reassert control over Georgia

Troops are moved into Ossetia to reassert control over Georgia

The 1st Russian President to visit Japan

The USSR is renamed the Union of Soviet Sovereign Republics. Gorbachev announces a final agreement on a Treaty designed to preserve the Soviet federation while giving more power to the republics

The USSR is renamed the Union of Soviet Sovereign Republics

Russia stages it 1st ever general election

The people of Leningrad vote by 55% to 43% to change their city name to Saint Petersburg

Russia stages it 1st ever general election

The people of Leningrad vote by 55% to 43% to change their city name to Saint Petersburg

The final Comecon council session takes place June 28, 1991 in Budapest, and led to an agreement to disband within 90 days

The final Comecon council session takes place June 28, 1991 in Budapest, and led to an agreement to disband within 90 days

The Albanian Government is overthrown

Leaders of the Warsaw Pact sign a protocol terminating the Warsaw Pact Organisation

President Bush sends a personal message to Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev, urging a stronger effort to conclude arms control talks

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev makes a personal appeal for Western aid at the conclusion of the Group of Seven economic summit in London

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev makes a personal appeal for Western aid at the conclusion of the Group of Seven economic summit in London

Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev makes a personal appeal for Western aid at the conclusion of the Group of Seven economic summit in London

The draft of a new platform for the Soviet Communist Party is published, calling for private property, economic integration into world market and freedom of religion

Gorbachev urges Communist leaders at a Central Committee meeting to reject "outdated ideological dogmas" and embrace a market economy

Gorbachev urges Communist leaders at a Central Committee meeting to reject "outdated ideological dogmas" and embrace a market economy

The US & Russia agree to arms control after 9 years of negotiatons

Bush & Gorbachev sign the Strategic Arms Reduction

Bush & Gorbachev sign the Strategic Arms Reduction

Bush & Gorbachev sign the Strategic Arms Reduction

Signs START 1 with the USA to reduce offensive strategic arms

Russia attends the G7 Conference

Imprisoned at his holiday villa, dacha, in the Crimea by hardline communists

Arrested during a coup

A coup takes place while Gorbachev is establishing a federal Union of Sovereign States

Arrested during a coup

Russian troops defect to Yeltsin & the coup collapses

The communist conspirators flee Moscow

Gorbachev is held under guard in a Dacha by the Black Sea

Restored as President & the coup is defeated. Reform is given a poweeful boost as the Communist Party is weakened

Gorbachev resumes presidency in Moscow

The USA recognizes the independence of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

The USA recognizes the independence of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

The USA recognizes the independence of Estonia, Latvia & Lithuania

Hundreds of thousands demonstrate in Moscow against the coup

Announces reciprocal Soviet reductions and changes to tactical nuclear forces following the United States initiative.

Announces nuclear cuts

The Ukraine signs the Soviet economic-union Treaty at the Kremlin

The Ukraine signs the Soviet economic-union Treaty at the Kremlin

The Ukraine votes for its independence during a referendum

The Ukraine votes for its independence during a referendum

The Ukraine votes for its independence during a referendum

The Presidents of Russia, Ukraine & Belarus create the Commonwealth of Ind States

The Presidents of Russia, Ukraine & Belarus create the Commonwealth of Ind States

Russia takes the USSRs place in the UN

The USSR ends after republics declare independence. The USSR ceases to exist

Gorbachev resigns his position as President of the USSR, signifying the demise of the Soviet Union, 14 former Soviet republics (including Russia) become independent states

Gorbachev resigns his position as President of the USSR, signifying the demise of the Soviet Union, 14 former Soviet republics (including Russia) become independent states

Resigns as leader of the Communist Party

Gorbachev resigns his position as President of the USSR, signifying the demise of the Soviet Union, 14 former Soviet republics (including Russia) become independent states

The Peace Agreement with the USA enables withdrawal of Vietnam from Kampuchea

During a coup against Gorbachev Estonia declares its full independence

The Russian Communist Party is dissolved

Russia attends a meeting of the G7 & transforms it into the G8

Russia attends a meeting of the G7 & transforms it into the G8

During a coup against Gorbachev Estonia declares its full independence

During a coup against Gorbachev Estonia declares its full independence

Fails to get other members of the G-7 to agree a financial package