Despite his international success, Gorbachev faced growing opposition at home from both conservatives and radicals. Hardliners believed his reforms were destroying the Soviet system, while reformists argued that he was not moving fast enough. In August 1991, a group of conservative officials attempted a coup against him, temporarily placing him under house arrest. Although the coup failed, it severely weakened his authority and strengthened the position of regional leaders, particularly Boris Yeltsin.
