may 1, 1991 - Soviet Union dissasambled

Description:

1. Couldn't keep up with US. technological advances in weaponry (Strategic defense initiative (Star Wars))

2. Failed invasion of Afghanistan in 1979. (lost to Afghan rebels who were supported y the US, wasted 9 years and lost a lot of money).

3. Mikhail Gorbachev's policies.
Perestroika - Reduce government central planning
Glasnost - stopped restricting people/s voices. They took the criticism now.
Set the stage for massive reform movements of the soviet blocsince power was becoming decentralized)

4. No longer used military intervention to prop up communist states near them.

Added to timeline:

Date: