Gorbachev’s popularity grew in the West as he became known as a brave reformer and supporter of peace. His popularity at home plummeted though as the problems of the Soviet Union increased. His attempts to save Soviet communism became more difficult as all the former Soviet Eastern Bloc countries broke away from the USSR by 1989. A group of conservatives then seized control of the government and placed Gorbachev under house arrest on August 18, 1991. This coup attempt failed, but it served as the blow that shattered the old communist order
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