Important Historical Events and Figures in Eastern Europe

These flashcards cover significant figures, treaties, and events in Eastern European history, focusing on the fall of communism and the formation of modern political structures.

Solidarność (Solidarity)

A non-communist union formed by Polish workers in 1980, led by Lech Walesa, which became a significant social movement advocating for workers' rights, democracy, and human rights.

Lech Walesa

The leader of Solidarity, an electrician by trade, who became a prominent figure in the fight against communism in Poland and was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1983. He was arrested during the communist crackdown but later became the President of Poland.

The fall of the Berlin Wall

Event on November 9, 1989 which symbolized the end of the Cold War, leading to the reunification of Germany and the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe.

Impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall on Germany

Germans were agitated against Soviet communism, which fostered a sense of unity and urged for democratic reforms across East Germany, ultimately leading to the peaceful transition from a communist regime.

Václav Havel

Former President of the Czech Republic, a playwright and dissident who played a critical role in the Velvet Revolution against communist rule, advocating for democracy and human rights.

Nicolae Ceauşescu

The second and last Communist leader of Romania, known for his oppressive regime, extravagant lifestyle, and brutal repression of dissent, ultimately executed following a revolution in 1989.

Slobodan Milošević

Elected president of Serbia in 1989, he was a controversial figure who led an anti-bureaucratic revolution, promoting Serbian nationalism, which contributed to the Yugoslav Wars, and was later imprisoned for war crimes.

KGB

The main security agency of the USSR from 1954 to 1991, functioning as Soviet police and intelligence, known for its extensive surveillance, espionage, and suppression of dissent within the Soviet Union.

Boris Yeltsin

The former President of Russia, a member of the Communist Party, who became known for his push towards a market economy and democratic reforms following the dissolution of the Soviet Union, playing a key role in the transition to democracy.

Vladimir Putin

Current President of Russia who also served as Prime Minister; known for consolidating power, limiting press freedoms, and pursuing assertive foreign policies.

Chechnya

A region close to the Caucasus, important for trade routes and known for its complex history of conflict and independence movements against Russia.

Maastricht Treaty

It established the European Union and paved the way for the Euro and EU citizenship; signed in 1992, it aimed for deeper political and economic integration among member states.

NAFTA (North American Free Trade Agreement, )

initiated free trade between Mexico, Canada, and the USA in 1992, lifting tariffs to promote economic cooperation and trade.

Green Party

A European political party focusing on environmental health, social justice, grassroots democracy, and non-violence, advocating for sustainable policies and practices.

Postmodernism in art

A late 20th-century artistic movement emphasizing relativism and multiple interpretations, often challenging traditional narratives and embracing a mix of various styles and techniques.