Library of Congress
Loc: Perestroika
In these revelations from Russian archives, perestroika is explained. Mikhail Gorbachev's program of economic, political, and social restructuring, became the unintended catalyst for dismantling the totalitarian state. Also contains...
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.
Library of Congress
Loc: Revelations From the Russian Archives
This particular page from the Library of Congress is the homepage with an outline of hyperlinks to numerous articles that could provide background information regarding the former Soviet Union.
American Academy of Achievement
Academy of Achievement: Mikhail S. Gorbachev
A biography of Mikhail Gorbachev, once the leader of the Soviet Union and a winner of the Nobel Peace Prize. Includes a profile, interview and photo gallery.
BBC
Bbc: Cold War: Reform, Coup and Collapse: The End of the Soviet State
A series of six pages that chronicle the demise of the Soviet Union.
BBC
Bbc News: Soviet Union Timeline
A timeline covering the history of the Soviet Union from 1917 to 1991.
US Department of State
U.s. Dept. Of State: Archive: Inf Treaty of 1987
Copy of the INF Treaty made by the US and the USSR in December of 1987.
National Archives (UK)
National Archives Learning Curve: Cold War
Discusses different aspects of the Cold War such as "Did the Cold War really start in 1919-1939?" and "Was the Vietnam War a turning point in the Cold War?"
Geographic
Workmall: Russia: Gorbachev's Reform Dilemma
This site discusses the opposition that Gorbachev's political reforms met and how a multiparty system evolved.
Independence Hall Association
U.s. History: The End of the Cold War
Read about the surprising and swift collapse of the Soviet Union and its satellite countries beginning with Poland in 1989. Watch a map which shows the change from a single country, USSR, into many independent countries, and find out...
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...
PBS
Pbs: Int. With Nina Mihailovna Motova, Factory Worker
You've learned about the fall of the USSR in history books, but what did it mean to a common citizen? Read the interview with Motova, a ballbearing factory worker in Russia, for insight on her thoughts.
Steven Kreis, PhD
The History Guide: Perestroika Defined (1987)
Perestroika, as defined by Mikhail Gorbachev. This excerpt includes the many definitions and applications of the concept of perestroika when used to describe the internal reforms of the Soviet Union that occurred during the 1980s.