Reasons for the Soviet Union's Collapse
The Soviet Union did not collapse due to its leaders alone. There were several other causes to its dissolution. In fact:
- There was low output of crops and consumer goods.
- The Cold War led to high military spending.
- There were ethnic and nationalist movements against the communist governments.
- Citizens were denied rights and freedoms.
- The Soviets had gone to an economy-draining war with Afghanistan.
- There were food and fuel shortages. Demonstrations took place in the Baltic States.
- When Gorbachev rose to power, his reforms brought economic turmoil.
(both hyperlinks will direct to wikipedia; the first one to the article on the Soviet Union itself, and the second one to the article that gives the details of the Soviet war in Afghanistan)