(23) The Collapse of Communism in Eastern European satellite states Flashcards
When was the Brezhnev Doctrine renounced?
In a speech in July 1988 he officially renounced the Brezhnev Doctrine
What was Gorbachev’s aim?
One of Gorbachev’s main aims was to relax the Soviet control over the satellite states. He was believed that countries would only remain communist if they wanted to.
What happened in Poland regarding an agreed reform?
In 1988, the Polish economy took a downward spiral and the government increased the price of food.
- Protests happened throughout Poland.
- Many workers illegally went on strike.
This led to talks between the Solidarity leadership and the Polish government. This led to 3 major reforms:
- The legalisation of non-government trade unions
- The creation of the position of president
- The formation of a bicameral legislature; in the lower house 35% of seats would be freely elected.
What happened in the 1989 elections of Poland?
In 1989, Solidarity won 92% of the Senate and 160 out of 161 seats it was allowed to compete for in the parliament.
By the end of 1989, Solidarity was legalised and was able to form a coalition without the Communist Party, establishing an anti-communist government.
What is a historical interpretation put fourth by Joseph Smith?
‘in 1989, the structure of international relations was dramatically transformed, not from ‘above’ but from ‘below’ by the ‘revolutions’ in Eastern Europe. The West looked on in amazement as the people of Eastern Europe spontaneously took the initiative in bringing about the peaceful overthrow of the Iron Curtain’.
What happened in Hungary?
Worsening economic conditions led to general dissatisfication, and even dedicated communists looked for alternative routes to improve the local economy.
In 1989, Hungarians stated that they wanted a multi-party democracy.
Following investigations into the 1956 revolt and a change in leadership, the Hungarian government decided to re-introduce multi-party democracy and hold elections.
Nemeth even negotiated a $1 billion dollar Deutsche Mark loan from West German banks and became Prime Minister.
What crucial decision did they make?
They agreed to open their frontier with Austria and allow East Germans to travel to West Germany, clearly demonstrating the rejection of communism.
Why was the Hungarian’s rejection of communism so significant ?
- Soviets agreed to withdraw military forces from Hungary by 1991.
- Their movement was a peaceful model for other countries to follow.
What happened in Czechoslovakia?
In January 1989, people began to demonstrate as they felt that their living standards were poorer than those of Western Europeans.
Protestors were jailed and discontent spread.
Despite reforms given, more protests occurred in August 1989 and by November violence had broken out.
On 19th November, the Civic Forum was formed and a proposed coalition by them with the Communist Party was rejected.
Eventually, the communist leadership resigned and free elections were held on 28th December. Havel was elected President.
In January 1993, Czechoslovakia was split into two independent states; the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
What happened in East Germany and the Berlin Wall?
While they had been the most loyal of the USSR satellite states, it received benefits from West Germany through Brandt’s policy of Ostpolitik, which was a new approach to East-West relations –> Hallstein Doctrine removed (now entered diplomatic relations with those who recognised East Germany)
Krenz announced that he would implement democratic reforms and endorsed Gorbachev’s ideas of perestroika, glasnost and the end of the Brezhnev Doctrine.
How did the fall of the Berlin Wall occur?
Looser travel laws pushed more people to rebel against Berlin Wall.
Soon the Berlin Wall, most visible symbol of division at the heart of Europe, collapsed in 1989
It had been a dramatic revolution which showed the collapse of communism in East Germany.
What had been a historical interpretation put fourth about events in Eastern Europe in 1989?
The historian Kenney (2002) argues that in Eastern Europe in 1989 ‘ultimately the fear of communism simply dissipated.’
