A country is removed from the map in a week. There's more too than that, but it's not far from the most truthful description. The final episode of our series on the fall of the Soviet Union finds a rescued Gorbachev quickly realizing that he might be in yet another seizure of power.  One that is more quiet, gradual and unavoidable.   

The first blood is spilled. We look at the right-wing of Soviet Society which triggered the putsch. And the rebellious elements that also existed. Jeans, rock and roll, religion, revisionism and weakness.

Music by Lee Rosevere and Theme Song by Chris Novembrino 

As barricades are built and citizens turn to a protective barrier, the Soviet culture they come from might be the very thing that keeps them going.

Music by Lee Rosevere and Theme by Chris Novembrino

Two institutions, the press and the military, may well determine the fate of the USSR on the night of August 19th, 1991. The Emergency Committee decides, it's time to explain themselves on TV. A reporter makes a fateful decision. So does another. A motley crowd is fashioned into an instant militia.

Music by Lee Rosevere (Music for Podcasts) and Theme Song by Chris Novembrino

The coup appears to be winning sway, despite some minor protests.  But demokrats find ways to spread the message.  The United States reacts.  To understand more, we look into the events that lead to the emergency committee.

Soviet citizens wake up to tanks outside their windows in 1991. Media is censored. The President is detained. Another president escapes, maybe just escapes... A third President is powerless. Is this the end of everything?

Music by Lee Rosevere and Theme Song by Chris Novembrino