Collapse of the USSR: Changes in Eastern Europe

Question 1

1985 - 1986 (3)

Answer 1

Solidarity movement reasserting influence in Poland and they threatened nationwide strikes in response to price increases - govt backed down.

Strikes in Brezhnev Square
Reagan resolved to remove weapons from Europe (INF Treaty)

Question 2

1987-1988 (5)

Answer 2

• Nationwide strikes led to negotiations between Jaruzelski and Solidarity
• Gorbachev announced that the USSR would abandon limited sovereignty and all the EE republics could decide what political and economic system they wanted.
• E, L, L flew their traditional flags - 1988
• Gorbachev made changes to separate party and state and elections were planned for March 1989
• No more jamming of foreign radio stations meant unrestricted access to news sources. - 1988

Question 3

Roundtable Talks (5)

Answer 3

• Strikes in 1988 due to 40% increase in food prices due to failing economy.
• Government announces it is ready to debate with Solidarity
• Talks held from Feb-April 1989
• Solidarity allowed to field candidates in upcoming election, won 99/100 seats - Jaruzelski was the only person from the old system
• Walesa eventually came to power in 1990 in elections

Question 4

1989 (6)

Answer 4

• Aug: Border between Hungary and Austria cut. Hungarians flee to Austria as a result and this triggered a chain reaction.
• EG escaped to the West
• Czechoslovakia and EG experienced mass protest.
• EG: Protests in Leipzig meant the new govt. was ready to commit to liberalisation. Gorbachev tells Honnecker to reform and he resigns. Berlin Wall is dismantled
• CP rule ended in Bulgaria and Romania, Lithuania declares independence
• Hungarian government negotiating elections for 1990

Question 5

1990 (3)

Answer 5

CP voted to end one party tule
Gorbachev imposes sanctions on Baltic States
Yeltsin elected president of Russia and leaves the CPSU

Question 6

1991 (3)

Answer 6

Ukraine and other republics declare independence
Dec: Belovezha Accords signed which officially ends the USSR and creates the CIS.

Hardliner August Coup suppressed by the people

Yeltsin bans the CPSU and recognises the independence of the Baltic States