-
Boris Yeltsin elected
In March 1989, Yeltsin was elected to the Congress of People’s Deputies. He used this new position to lead radical new reforms to stake a claim in authority. -
Bush and Gorbachev meet
In December of 1989, George Bush and Gorbachev met in Malta and started discussing major changes in eastern Europe. -
Berlin Wall falls
In November of 1989, east Berliners were finally able to leave east Berlin and go to the free west Berlin. -
Boris Yeltsin elected as the president of the Russian Republic
In May of 1990, Yeltsin was elected as the president of the Russian Republic. That was the president of the state of Russia, at the time, it was just a part of the Soviet Union. -
Violence in Latvia and Lithuania
In January 1991, violent riots erupted in Lithuania and Latvia that were met with Soviet tanks in the streets. This move was condemned by Bush as these were for democracy. -
Bush administration reconsiders policies
During 1991, the Bush administration started reconsidering policies that dealt with the growing tension levels between the US and the Soviet Union. -
START treaty signed
In July of 1991, Bush signed the START treaty at the Moscow Summit. This was to help balance US relations with what was happening in the Soviet Union. -
Gorbachev placed under house arrest
In August of 1991, Gorbachev was placed under house arrest by communist hardliners who didn't like that he was making the country more free. -
Five basic principles articulated
On September 4, 1991, Secretary of State James Baker created the five basic principles that would lead the US through the new republics that were now breaking away from the Soviet Union. -
Gorbachev resigned
On December 25, 1991, Gorbachev resigned as the premier of the Soviet Union, disbanding the Soviet Union and bringing it to an end.