Soviet Union – 1991: “A Very Russian Coup. August 19, 1991” “Turning Points of History” series Documentary film (1998) Documents in detail the attempt of Soviet military leaders to seize control of the government in August of 1991, marking a turning point in world history and resulting in the dissolution of the Communist Party.

1991 Soviet coup d’état attempt

Why the 1991 Soviet coup failed

…the State Emergency Committee failed to take into account the changing political dynamics within Russia that eventually led to the breakup of the Soviet Union. The failed coup attempt that took place in Russia in August 1991 has become a defining historical event for the end of an era. The State Emergency Committee was the name of the self-proclaimed authority in the Soviet Union that existed for only four days, from Aug. 18-21, 1991. CLICK HERE FOR INFO