Collapse Of Communism In Eastern Europe

Question 1

Collapse of Communism in E Europe 1989

Answer 1

Gorbachev’s reforms (e.g. withdrawing troops) led to increased desire for more change and communist regimes across E Europe collapsed.

Question 2

Fall of the Berlin Wall, November 1989

Answer 2

After collapse of Hungarian communist government people started leaving E Germany through Hungary. This forced the E German government to open the Berlin Border and when this was announced people flooded to the wall and began dismantling it. This was broadcast around the world and was a hugely significant event.

Question 3

Fall of the Soviet Union 1991

Answer 3

After a coup (‘The gang of Eight’) against Gorbachev failed in August, he tried to save Communism by introducing a new constitution.
This was never accepted and he officially announced his resignation and the dissolution of the Soviet Union in December.
This finally signalled the end of the Cold War.