Democratization in Eastern Europe

These flashcards cover key vocabularies related to the themes of democratization and historical events in Eastern Europe during the Cold War.

Democratization

The transition from an authoritarian regime to a democratic one.

Bottom-up democratization

A process of democratization that emerges from popular movements and civil society involvement.

Top-down democratization

A process led from the top, typically by elites or political leaders, who introduce democratic reforms.

The Berlin Wall

A concrete barrier that divided East and West Berlin from 1961 to 1989, symbolizing the Cold War division.

Stasi

The official state security service of East Germany, known for its extensive surveillance and oppressive tactics.

Solidarity

A labor union movement in Poland that played a significant role in opposing communist rule.

Preference falsification

A phenomenon where individuals misrepresent their true preferences due to social pressure or fear of reprisal.

Mikhail Gorbachev

The last leader of the Soviet Union known for his reformist policies that led to the end of the Cold War.

The Polish United Workers' Party (PUWP)

The communist party that governed Poland, often serving more as a facade for actual political power.

Gdansk

A port city in Poland known for its significant industrial base and as the birthplace of the Solidarity movement.

Martial Law

A military-controlled regime that limits civil rights and implements military authority, often declared in times of crisis.

Chernobyl disaster

A catastrophic nuclear accident that occurred in Ukraine in 1986, contributing to the decline of Soviet legitimacy.

Cold War

The political and military tension between the Western powers and the Soviet Union from 1947 to 1991.

Nationalism

A strong identification with one’s own nation, often leading to the desire for self-governance and independence.

Treaty of Versailles

The treaty that ended World War I and established new national boundaries, including the re-creation of Poland.

Occupation Zones

Divided regions of Germany controlled by Allied powers after World War II, each administering its segment of the country.