The Union Treaty

• Gorbachev proposed a reformed union in response to growing nationalism.
• Republics would have greater independence.
• Negotiations for a new union treaty were hampered by Gorbachev's declining power.
• Nationalist leaders won democratic elections and had authority to act as representatives for their people.
• In March 1991, Gorbachev proposed a referendum for all people in the Soviet Union, but only 76% of voters backed a reformed union and six republics refused to participate.
• In April 1991, Gorbachev reached a provisional agreement called the 9+1 agreement to establish a federation of independent states with a single president.
• In June 1991, Yeltsin was elected as the President of Russia, which weakened Gorbachev and strengthened Yeltsin.
• Negotiations for a new treaty continued throughout the spring, and a complete draft of the Treaty establishing a Union of Sovereign States was established by eight Soviet Republics in mid-July.
• Gorbachev announced that the Treaty would be signed on 21st August.