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Yeltsin's Russia

Navigating the Post-Soviet Transition: An academic overview of Boris Yeltsin's presidency, reforms, and the profound changes in Russia.

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Early Life and Career

Origins in the Urals

Boris Nikolayevich Yeltsin was born on February 1, 1931, in the village of Butka, Ural Oblast, within the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic. His family, of Russian ethnicity, had a long history in the Urals region. Yeltsin's early life was marked by the Soviet Union's political climate under Joseph Stalin, including the collectivization policies that impacted his family, leading to hardship and displacement.

Education and Construction

Yeltsin pursued higher education at the Ural Polytechnic Institute (UPI) in Sverdlovsk, studying industrial and civil engineering. Upon graduation in 1955, he began a career in construction, rapidly ascending through the ranks. He gained a reputation as a diligent and effective manager, overseeing significant projects and demonstrating an early aptitude for leadership within the state-controlled economy.

Entry into the Communist Party

Yeltsin joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union (CPSU) in 1961, initially driven by a belief in socialist ideals, though later citing career advancement as a factor. His early party work involved rising through the Sverdlovsk regional apparatus, where he developed connections and demonstrated organizational skills that would propel his political career forward.

CPSU Career and Moscow

Rise in Sverdlovsk

In October 1976, Yeltsin was appointed First Secretary of the Party Committee in Sverdlovsk Oblast, a significant position granting him considerable regional authority. He focused on improving infrastructure and consumer welfare, undertaking projects like the Sverdlovsk Metro. His tenure also involved enforcing party directives, including the demolition of the Ipatiev House, the site of the Romanov family's execution.

Moscow Leadership

In 1985, Mikhail Gorbachev promoted Yeltsin to head the Construction Department of the Party's Central Committee in Moscow. Soon after, he became the First Secretary of the Moscow City Committee of the CPSU. In this influential role, Yeltsin gained national prominence, advocating for reforms and challenging established party norms, which brought him into conflict with hard-liners like Yegor Ligachyov.

Resignation and Opposition

Frustrated by the slow pace of reform and internal party opposition, Yeltsin resigned from the Politburo in October 1987, a move unprecedented in Soviet history. This act of defiance, coupled with his subsequent criticism of Gorbachev, transformed him into a popular anti-establishment figure. His public critiques and perceived "political immaturity" led to his dismissal from Moscow party leadership but solidified his image as a rebel.

Yeltsin's resignation from the Politburo in 1987 was a pivotal moment. He openly criticized Gorbachev's leadership and the party's resistance to reform during a Central Committee plenum. This confrontation, described as reminiscent of Stalinist show trials, resulted in his removal from key positions. However, the ensuing public discussion and the circulation of his criticisms, even in fabricated forms, significantly boosted his popularity as an opposition leader.

President of the RSFSR

Election and Sovereignty

In March 1990, Yeltsin was elected to the Congress of People's Deputies of Russia. On May 29, 1990, he became Chairman of the Supreme Soviet of the Russian Soviet Federative Socialist Republic (RSFSR). A key move during this period was the adoption of a declaration of sovereignty by the RSFSR Congress of People's Deputies on June 12, 1990, asserting Russia's independence from the central Soviet government.

Dissolution of the USSR

Yeltsin played a crucial role in the dissolution of the Soviet Union. After winning the first democratic presidential elections for the Russian republic on June 12, 1991, he became President of Russia. During the August 1991 coup attempt against Gorbachev, Yeltsin defied the coup leaders, rallying popular opposition. Following the coup's failure, Yeltsin's influence grew, leading to the Belavezha Accords in December 1991, where Russia, Ukraine, and Belarus declared the Soviet Union dissolved, paving the way for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS).

  • June 1990: RSFSR declares sovereignty.
  • June 1991: Yeltsin elected President of the RSFSR.
  • August 1991: Yeltsin defies the Soviet coup attempt.
  • December 1991: Belavezha Accords signed, declaring the USSR dissolved.
  • December 25, 1991: Gorbachev resigns; Yeltsin assumes presidential functions.

Presidency of the Russian Federation

Radical Economic Reforms

Upon assuming the presidency of the newly independent Russian Federation, Yeltsin initiated sweeping economic reforms, often termed "shock therapy." These measures included liberalizing foreign trade, prices, and currency, alongside austerity measures to control inflation. The goal was to dismantle the command economy and transition to a market-based system, a process that led to significant economic upheaval and social challenges.

Constitutional Crisis of 1993

Yeltsin's presidency was marked by a severe power struggle with the Russian parliament. In September 1993, Yeltsin dissolved the parliament by decree, an action deemed unconstitutional. This led to a violent confrontation, culminating in the shelling of the parliament building by forces loyal to Yeltsin. The crisis concluded with the adoption of a new constitution that significantly expanded presidential powers.

The 1993 constitutional crisis pitted President Yeltsin against the Supreme Soviet and Congress of People's Deputies. Yeltsin's attempt to rule by decree and dissolve parliament led to a standoff. The parliament impeached Yeltsin, and Vice President Alexander Rutskoy was declared acting president. The conflict escalated into armed clashes, with Yeltsin ultimately using military force to assert his authority, leading to significant casualties and the subsequent adoption of a constitution strengthening the presidency.

Foreign Policy and NATO

Internationally, Yeltsin sought to redefine Russia's role in the post-Soviet world. He promoted renewed collaboration with Europe and signed arms control agreements with the United States. However, his stance on NATO expansion evolved, initially favoring a pan-European security system over NATO's eastward growth, expressing concerns that expansion could isolate Russia.

Economic Transition and Privatization

Market Liberalization

Yeltsin's government implemented radical economic reforms starting in 1992. Price controls were lifted, leading to hyperinflation and a sharp decline in living standards for many Russians. The privatization program, initially intended to distribute ownership widely, resulted in the concentration of state assets into the hands of a few powerful individuals, known as "oligarchs," who gained significant economic and political influence.

Economic Downturn and Inequality

The transition to a market economy was fraught with difficulties. Russia experienced a severe economic contraction throughout the 1990s, with GDP falling by approximately 50%. While some sectors saw growth, widespread poverty, unemployment, and inequality increased dramatically. The collapse of the ruble in 1998 further exacerbated these economic challenges.

The economic reforms under Yeltsin led to a profound restructuring of Russian society. While intended to foster a market economy, the rapid privatization and liberalization policies resulted in significant social costs. Many citizens lost their savings due to inflation, and access to essential goods and services became precarious for large segments of the population. The rise of the oligarchs also fueled perceptions of corruption and unfairness.

The Chechen Wars

First Chechen War

In December 1994, Yeltsin ordered a military intervention in Chechnya to restore federal control over the breakaway republic. The conflict proved brutal and protracted, resulting in significant casualties and widespread destruction. The war drew international criticism and raised questions about Yeltsin's leadership and Russia's commitment to democratic principles.

Peace Agreement and Second War

After nearly two years of conflict, federal forces withdrew from Chechnya under a peace agreement signed in August 1996. This agreement granted Chechnya greater autonomy but did not resolve the underlying issues. The fragile peace eventually collapsed, leading to the Second Chechen War in 1999, which began shortly before Yeltsin's resignation.

1996 Presidential Election

Campaign for Re-election

Facing declining popularity and health concerns, Yeltsin launched an energetic campaign for his second term in the 1996 presidential election. His campaign was significantly bolstered by financial backing from oligarchs and favorable media coverage, which portrayed the election as a choice between Yeltsin and a return to communism. The campaign also involved promises to soften unpopular economic policies and resolve the conflict in Chechnya.

International Support and Victory

Yeltsin received crucial support from international leaders, including U.S. President Bill Clinton, who sent American advisors to aid his campaign. Despite initial polling challenges, Yeltsin secured victory in the second round of voting against Communist candidate Gennady Zyuganov. His win was seen by many Western observers as crucial for maintaining Russia's democratic and market-oriented trajectory.

Second Term and Resignation

Health and Financial Crises

Yeltsin's second term was significantly impacted by his deteriorating health, including quintuple heart bypass surgery in late 1996. The period was also marked by severe economic instability, culminating in the 1998 financial crisis and the ruble's collapse. Allegations of corruption surfaced, particularly concerning the Mabetex construction firm and its dealings with Kremlin officials.

Succession and Departure

In a surprise move on December 31, 1999, Yeltsin announced his resignation, appointing Prime Minister Vladimir Putin as his successor. This decision came amidst ongoing political tensions, including disagreements with the West over the Kosovo War and the Second Chechen War. Putin's first act as president was to grant Yeltsin lifelong immunity from prosecution.

Legacy and Historical Assessment

Mixed Reception

Boris Yeltsin's presidency is viewed with a complex legacy. He is credited with dismantling the Soviet Union, introducing democratic freedoms, and steering Russia towards a market economy. However, he is also criticized for the economic hardship, political instability, corruption, and the wars in Chechnya that characterized his time in office. His leadership remains a subject of intense historical debate.

Public Opinion

While initially popular, Yeltsin's approval ratings declined significantly during his presidency due to the economic crises and perceived mismanagement. He left office widely unpopular with the Russian population, though his role in establishing Russia's post-Soviet political and economic framework is undeniable.

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References

References

  1.  Acting by Alexander Rutskoy from 22 September 1993 to 4 October 1993.
  2.  Aron 2000, p. 4; Colton 2008, p. 17.
  3.  Aron 2000, p. 4; Colton 2008, p. 16.
  4.  Aron 2000, p. 5; Colton 2008, pp. 14–19.
  5.  Aron 2000, pp. 6–7; Colton 2008, p. 38.
  6.  Aron 2000, p. 5; Colton 2008, pp. 22–23.
  7.  Aron 2000, p. 5; Colton 2008, pp. 23–24, 26.
  8.  Aron 2000, p. 6; Colton 2008, p. 26.
  9.  Aron 2000, p. 6; Colton 2008, p. 28.
  10.  Aron 2000, p. 7; Colton 2008, p. 33.
  11.  Aron 2000, pp. 8, 9; Colton 2008, pp. 41–42.
  12.  Aron 2000, p. 9; Colton 2008, p. 44.
  13.  Aron 2000, pp. 7–8; Colton 2008, pp. 45–47.
  14.  Aron 2000, p. 11; Colton 2008, p. 53.
  15.  Aron 2000, p. 17; Colton 2008, p. 58.
  16.  Aron 2000, p. 17; Colton 2008, p. 56.
  17.  Aron 2000, p. 16; Colton 2008, p. 64.
  18.  Aron 2000, pp. 15–16; Colton 2008, p. 62.
  19.  Aron 2000, p. 18; Colton 2008, p. 58.
  20.  Aron 2000, p. 20; Colton 2008, p. 64.
  21.  Aron 2000, pp. 21, 23; Colton 2008, p. 65.
  22.  Aron 2000, pp. 26–27; Colton 2008, p. 65.
  23.  Aron 2000, p. 24; Colton 2008, p. 66.
  24.  Aron 2000, pp. 32–33; Colton 2008, p. 66.
  25.  Aron 2000, p. 30; Colton 2008, p. 68.
  26.  Executive decree authority, by John M. Carey & Matthew Soberg, p. 76
  27.  Geoffrey Forden, "Reducing a Common Danger." Policy Analysis Paper #399 (2001) online.
  28.  Moscow Bound: Policy, Politics, and the POW/MIA Dilemma, John M. G. Brown, Veteran Press, Eureka Springs, California, US (1993), Chapter 14.
  29.  Jerrold M. Post, "Boris Yeltsin: against the grain." Problems of Post-Communism 43.1 (1996): 58–62.
  30.  BBC News Yeltsin to lie in state in Moscow; retrieved 24 April 2007.
  31.  Tony Halpin. "Yeltsin, the man who buried communism" The Times. 24 April 2007
  32.  Vladimir Putin`s Address on the Occasion of Boris Yelstin’s Passing Kremlin, 23 April 2007. Retrieved: 24 April 2007
  33.  "In quotes: Reactions to Yeltsin death", 23 April 2007.
  34.  Aron 2000, p. 15; Colton 2008, p. 57.
  35.  Aron 2000, pp. 23–24; Colton 2008, p. 100.
  36.  Michael McFaul, "Yeltsin's Legacy" The Wilson Quarterly 24#2 (2000), pp. 42–58. online
  37.  Cindy Skach, Russia's Constitutional Dictatorship: A Brief History, 29 U. MIA Int’l & Comp. L. Rev. 192 (2021)
A full list of references for this article are available at the Boris Yeltsin Wikipedia page

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Academic Context and Limitations

This document has been generated by an AI, drawing upon publicly available information from Wikipedia. It is intended for educational and informational purposes, providing an academic overview of Boris Yeltsin's life and presidency. The content reflects a specific point in time and may not encompass all nuances or recent developments.

This is not political or historical advice. The information presented should not substitute for professional historical analysis or consultation with subject matter experts. Always consult primary sources and academic scholarship for a comprehensive understanding of historical events and figures. The creators of this page are not responsible for any interpretations or actions taken based on the information provided.