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21/08/1991 'Gang of Eight' coup in Russia collapses

3:04

Soviet Coup August 19, 1991 NBC coverage

2:11

Russia marks anniversary of failed USSR coup

The 1991 Soviet coup d'état attempt was an attempt by members of the government of the USSR to take control of the country from Soviet President and General Secretary Mikhail Gorbachev. The coup leaders were hard-line members of the Communist Party of the Soviet Union.