5.2 The nationalist resurgence in the Soviet republics and in the communist states of Eastern Europe Flashcards
What encouraged nationalist resurgence in the USSR?
Pollution in the Baltic Republics and culture and language
When were Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania independent states?
1939
How did nationalist resurgence occur in the Baltic republics?
1) April - October 1988- Popular Front was established which called for protection for their native languages and cultural traditions, but soon they demanded independence
2) In August 1989 he anniversary of the Nazi-Soviet Pact (1939) was used to stage a mass demonstration for independence
3) 1990 - The popular fonts won a majority in election to the Supreme Soviets in the Baltic Republics. Shortly, they all declared their independence (an illegal move)
How many republics was the USSR divided into?
15
What had Soviet control over Eastern Europe been enforced by?
Military action under the Brezhnev Doctrine
How much did the USSR spend annually on propping up communist governments around the world?
$40 billion
What did Gorbachev believe about the use of armed intervention?
Morally wrong
When had communist rule been imposed on Eastern Europe?
After WW2
Why did the ending of the Brezhnev Doctrine pose a particular problem for those Eastern European leaders who wanted to resist reform?
Could no longer rely on Soviet Military intervention to buttress their regimes
When did the Polish Communist Government yield to public pressure?
1989 with Solidarity - decided to allow it and any other political groups to stand in elections
How did Solidarity fare in the Polish general elections?
Defeated the Communist Party in a landslide victory
What happened to the Polish Communist Party as a result of the 1989 elections?
Collapsed
Which was the first satellite state to separate itself from communism?
Poland
Where did the pressure for reform come from in Hungary?
Within the Party
Who had been the hard-line leader of the Hungarian Communist Party since 1956 and when was he sacked?
Janos Kadar; 1988
What did the Hungarian Communist Party do after it had sacked its leader?
Decided to allow other political parties to contest elections
Which satellite sate was more reliant on Soviet support?
East Germany
When did the Berlin Wall fall?
9th November 1989
Who become the East German leader in October 1989?
Egon Krenz - refused to sanction widespread repression
When did Gorbachev encourage those who wished to push for reform in East Germany by visiting East Berlin?
October 1989
When was the communist regime in Czechoslovakia forced to make concessions in response to public demonstrations calling for reforms?
November 1989
What organisation emerged in Czechoslovakia to co-ordinate the campaign to get rid of the communist government?
Civic Forum
Who was elected as President of Czechoslovakia in December 1989? (Baclava)
Vaclav Havel
When did demonstrations against the communist government begin in Romania?
End of 1989
What sealed the end of communism in Romania?
Arrest and subsequent execution of Nicolae Ceausescu
Why was Ceausescu forced to flee Romania in December 1989?
Even the army were unwilling to support him
What increased the unpopularity of Ceausescu even further?
Urged the army to open fire on demonstrators
Where had reformers within the Communist Parties taken the lead in asserting national independence?
Hungary and Bulgaria