Showdown: The Lithuanian Rebellion and the Breakup of the Soviet Empire (0221)

Showdown: The Lithuanian Rebellion and the Breakup of the Soviet Empire

Hardcover – January 1, 1997
by Richard J. Krickus (Author)

Recounts the history of Lithuania and its struggle for freedom from the Soviet Union, and argues that Lithuania's declaration of independence in 1991 was the turning point that led to the Soviet collapse

Editorial Reviews From Booklist
Political scientist Krickus argues that Lithuania's secession from the Soviet Union in 1991 was a key (if usually ignored) element in President Gorbachev's ouster and the demise of the Soviet Union. Krickus provides a concise history of Lithuania, from its formation as a state, to internal conflicts, to its finally being swallowed up by the Soviets after World War II. A long struggle for freedom followed, coming to a head with a 1991 declaration of independence. Soviet troops attempted to crush the rebellion, but international pressure caused the Soviets to acquiesce to Lithuania's status as a free state. The subsequent turmoil within the Soviet power structure forced Gorbachev out, yet his policy of glasnost, or "new openness," had all but guaranteed the empire's collapse. Krickus was in Lithuania during 1991, acting as an elections monitor, and his firsthand experiences, plus the book's clean, vigorous prose, make this a compelling read. Brian McCombie

Product details
Publisher ‏ : ‎ Potomac Books Inc; First Edition (January 1, 1997)
Language ‏ : ‎ English
Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 1574880586
ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-1574880588
Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 1.45 pounds
Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6.75 x 1 x 9.5 inches