The soviet union changed dramatically in 1991 because
a. 14 non-Russian nations broke off to become independent nations
b. it impeached President Gorbachev
c. It allowed for free elections to be held in the Soviet Union.
d. It intensified the Cold War.

Question

The soviet union changed dramatically in 1991 because
a. 14 non-Russian nations broke off to become independent nations
b. it impeached President Gorbachev
c. It allowed for free elections to be held in the Soviet Union.
d. It intensified the Cold War.

anonymous · Answer

It can't be (C) because there were elections held a few years earlier showing that people wanted change as a part of Gorbachev's reforms. It also can't be (D) because the Cold War essentially ended in 1991 because of what happened. And it also isn't (B) because Gorbachev wasn't impeached -- he actually resigned because of what happened.

So the only answer that makes sense is (A). Eleven republics decided to break away from the Soviet Union -- three had already done so -- making for a total of fourteen. Gorbachev wanted reform, but he didn't want the Soviet Union to fall apart like this which is why he resigned.