Explore the factors that led to the collapse of the Soviet Union in this 27-minute video from the series "Understanding Russia: A Cultural History." Examine Mikhail Gorbachev's ascension to power in 1985 and the subsequent dissolution of the Communist union just six years later. Delve into Brezhnev's unfulfilled promises, the USSR's failure to meet Bolshevik expectations, and Gorbachev's attempts to revive the Soviet economy. Analyze the decline of Gorbachev's popularity, the end of the USSR era, and Putin's unexpected rise to power. Gain insights into how Putin has revived traditional Russian ideals and shaped modern Russia.