Dmitry Yazov

Definition

Dmitry Yazov was a prominent Soviet military leader and politician who served as the last Minister of Defense of the Soviet Union from 1987 until its dissolution in 1991. He played a critical role during the August Coup in 1991, where he initially supported the coup leaders in their attempt to restore hardline communist rule, significantly impacting the political landscape of the Soviet Union during its final days.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Yazov was a key figure in the military establishment and had a significant influence over Soviet defense policies during a time of great upheaval.
2. During the August Coup, Yazov initially supported the hardliners but later distanced himself from the coup as public resistance grew.
3. He was arrested following the failure of the coup but was later released and continued to be involved in Russian politics post-Soviet Union.
4. Yazov’s military background made him an essential player during a time when military power was crucial for both the coup leaders and reformists.
5. His actions during this tumultuous period reflect the broader struggle between hardline communists and reformers within the collapsing Soviet system.

Review Questions

• How did Dmitry Yazov's role as Minister of Defense influence his actions during the August Coup?
  • As Minister of Defense, Dmitry Yazov held significant power over the military during a critical time in Soviet history. His initial support for the August Coup was influenced by his loyalty to the military establishment and hardline communist ideals. However, as public protests against the coup intensified, Yazov's stance shifted, revealing the complex dynamics between military loyalty and popular sentiment in a crumbling regime.
• Evaluate Dmitry Yazov's actions during the August Coup and their implications for the future of Soviet governance.
  • Dmitry Yazov's involvement in the August Coup demonstrates the deep divisions within the Soviet leadership at that time. His initial support for the coup highlighted a faction still clinging to old communist values, while his eventual withdrawal indicated a recognition of shifting public sentiment. This tension ultimately weakened the hardline factions' control and contributed to accelerating reforms that led to the collapse of Soviet governance as it had existed.
• Analyze how Dmitry Yazov's military background shaped his response to both reformist movements and hardline pressures during the final days of the Soviet Union.
  • Dmitry Yazov's military background profoundly influenced his perspective on both reformist movements and hardline pressures. Trained as a soldier, he was accustomed to strict discipline and loyalty, which initially aligned him with hardliners seeking to preserve Soviet power. However, his experiences during the coup illustrated a shifting reality where brute force could not suppress growing public dissent. This realization contributed to his eventual pivot away from strict adherence to communist ideology, showcasing how his military identity clashed with emerging democratic sentiments among civilians, ultimately reflecting a broader transition within Soviet society.

Related terms

August Coup: A failed attempt by hardline members of the Communist Party to take control of the Soviet government in August 1991, aiming to reverse the reforms initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev.

Mikhail Gorbachev: The last General Secretary of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and the first President of the Soviet Union, known for his policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring).

Soviet Union Collapse: The disintegration of the Soviet Union that culminated in December 1991, leading to the independence of its republics and the end of communist rule in Eastern Europe.