Collapse of communism in Eastern Europe

What happened in the Chernobyl disaster?

Reaction number 4 suffered a meltdown which led to a number of deaths, subsequent radiation deaths and injuries being underreported.

When was the Chernobyl disaster?

26th April 1986

Why was the Chernobyl disaster significant?

• The Soviets handled the situation poorly.

• Nuclear fallout polluted other cities.

• Led to Pripyat being abandoned and restricted.

Who is George HW Bush?

43rd President of the USA.

What were George HW Bush’s priorities?

• Ending the Cold War by strengthening Gorbachev.

• Providing economic stimulus packaging for the USSR and countries seeking freedom.

Why did George HW Bush adopt a cautious and measured approach towards to the USSR?

He wanted to avoid destabilising Eastern Europe too quickly as there was a possibility that it would lead to instability or conflict.

What policy did George HW Bush pursue to ensure that the destabilisation of Eastern Europe would not lead to instability or conflict?

Pause policy.

What is the Pause Policy?

Slowing the pace of change to allow the USSR to manage its decline.

Why did the USA not intervene in the collapse of communism?

The collapse happened due to the internal weaknesses and lack of force from Gorbachev.

Why did Eastern Europe collapse?

• Communist regimes became weak in the 1980s.

• Brezhnev doctrine was abandoned and later replaced with the adoption of the Sinatra Doctrine.

• Opposition movements grew and gained confidence.

What is the Sinatra Doctrine?

Allowing countries to do it.

What was life like before 1989 in Poland?

• Stalinist regime.

• Mass discontent where the state of economy and living standards are poor.

• Non- communist have power (Catholics).

• Solidarity is banned since.1981.

Who was the last communist leader in Poland?

General Jaruleszki

What happened in 1989 in Poland?

• Jaruleszki loses control due to allowing partially free elections.

• An negotiated end to authoritarian control.

• Communist seats were reserved in the election but still lost.

How did communism end in Poland?

Free elections.

Who replaced communism in Poland?

Tadevsz Mazowiecki

What was life like before 1989 in Hungary?

• High living standards.

• Creator freedoms.

• Stable.

Who was the last communist leader in Hungary?

János Kádár

What happened in 1989 in Hungary?

• Peaceful

• Opposition groups legalised.

• Communist parties become socialist.

How did communism end in Hungary?

• Dismantle communism control.

• Free elections.

Who replaced communism in Hungary?

Karoly Grosz

What was life like before 1989 in Romania?

• Economically ruined due to debt and exports.

• Rationing.

• Starving.

Who was the last communist leader in Romania?

Nikolai Causescu

What happened in 1989 in Romania?

Causescu tried to promote unity which caused crowds to call for a revolution. Violence occurred in the country which led him to flee.

How did communism end in Romania?

Causescu and his wife were captured and executed on live TV on Christmas day which indicated the end of communism in the country.

Who replaced communism in Romania?

Ion Illiescu

What was life like before 1989 in Czechoslovakia?

• It was one of the most rigid and conservative communist states in Eastern Europe.

• It was declining economically and competitively.

Who was the last communist leader of Czechoslovakia?

Mitos Jakes

What happened in 1989 in Czechoslovakia?

• Velvet Revolution

What is the Velvet Revolution?

A peaceful overthrow of the Communist regime in Czechoslovakia.

When was the Velvet Revolution?

17th November 1989

What was the significance of the Velvet revolution?

It showed that there was a break from the past representing ideals of democracy, human rights and political freedom.

Who replaced communism in Czechoslovakia?

Vaclav Havel.

What was life like before in 1989 in East Germany?

• Limited freedom

Who was the last communist leader in Eastern Germany?

Egon Krenz

What happened in 1989 in East Germany?

• People’s Revolution.

• Berlin Wall fell.

How did communism end in East Germany?

Berlin Wall fell which signified the fall of communism.

Who replaced communism in East Germany?

Coalition Government Hermut

What was agreed about Germany in 1989?

• The removal of Soviet military presence from East Germany.

• No more restrictions on German sovereignty.

• Germany would be reunited in 1990.

Why did the USSR agree to the things about Germany?

They needed money and this would be the opportunity to have a chance of a potential financial gain.