Changes In Eastern Europe Flashcards
What had Gorbachev intended to do ?
He never intended to weaken communist countries he instead wanted to strengthen communism by reform
However once reforms started he was unable to contain it
When did Reforms first start and where ?
1989, Poland elected a non
communist government
Later that year Hungary formed a range of political parties and proposed free elections for 1990
Did Gorbachev intervene?
No he withdrew troops from Hungary
What was the key change in Europe in 1989?
Hungary opened up its border with Austria
Meaning there was now a hole in the iron curtain and created a way for East Germans to move to west Germany
What did the opening of Hungary’s borders mean ?
It brought the Berlin Wall and Iron curtain into question as to wether they should still exist
