How and why did the Cold War End?

There were many factors that brought about the conclusion of the Cold War. The declining Soviet economy, the rise of Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev, the initiatives take by the U.S. and the Soviet Union were all influential determinates that helped bring the Cold War to an end. The Soviets had enjoyed great achievements on the international stage before Reagan entered office in 1981. These achievements included the unification of their socialist ally, Vietnam in 1976, and …

…halt the rapid changes to the system a group of Soviet hard-liners represented by Vice-President Gennadi Yanayev launched a coup overthrowing Gorbachev. Russian President Boris Yeltsin rallied the people and much of the army against the coup and the effort collapsed. In September the Baltic states were granted independence. On December 1, Ukraine pulled out of the USSR. On December 26, 1991 the USSR was officially disbanded, breaking up into fifteen constituent parts. The Cold War was over.