The Fall of the Soviet Union

The Soviet Union was one of the largest and most powerful countries in the world. It was made up of 15 republics, including Russia. For decades, it competed with the United States during the Cold War. In 1991, the Soviet Union broke apart into separate countries.

Why It Fell Apart

By the 1980s, the Soviet economy was struggling. People did not have enough food and goods in stores. A leader named Mikhail Gorbachev tried to make changes to fix the problems. But the changes led people in many republics to demand their freedom.

What Happened After

One by one, the republics declared independence. The Soviet flag was lowered for the last time on December 25, 1991. Russia became the largest of the new countries. The end of the Soviet Union also meant the end of the Cold War between East and West.

Fun Facts

• The Soviet Union covered one-sixth of the entire land on Earth.
• Fifteen new countries were created when the Soviet Union broke apart.
• The Soviet Union existed for about 69 years, from 1922 to 1991.

Did You Know?

When the Soviet Union ended, the Russian flag replaced the Soviet flag over the Kremlin in Moscow on Christmas Day, 1991.