Chapter 26 Summary

In 1991, it is clear that Gorbachev is no longer in control of the country. The KGB, the military-industrial complex, the generals and the old guard Party members are calling the shots and Gorbachev is merely a figurehead. The Party blames Gorbachev for everything: the loss of Eastern Europe, the destruction of the Party and the success of the US and Germany. However, with their leadership, the generals are so confident in their future triumph, they decide it is time to rewrite Soviet history, repairing some of the damage done in recent years. They realize the new updated version will have to include some of the truth uncovered in recent years, including the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact. The single most important aspect of Soviet history is the great patriotic War, World War II. For the people, the war represents the strength of the little people, a...