Nationalism Flashcards
What shows that the Brezhnev doctrine helped control satellite countries
The threat of a Soviet intervention played an important role in the Polish governments response to popular protests in 1980-81. The leader imposed martial law and the unrest was suppressed
Why was the Brezhnev doctrine ended by Gorbachev
Supporting satellite states had become expensive- spent approximately $40 billion annually which could be used instead to promote domestic reform.
Evidence that Gorbachev meant what he said
1989 Hungary adopted a multiparty system and Polish elections returned a non-Communist government. The USSR took no action.
Poland
The communist government yielded to pressure from the independent workers’ organisation Solidarity 1989 decided to allow it and any other political groups to stand in elections. Solidarity won in a landslide victory
Hungary
The pressure for reform came from within the Communist Party. 1988 Kadar -the hard-line leader- was sacked. The government was now dominated by reformers and decided to allow other political parties to contest elections
East Germany
Gorbachev’s visit to East Berlin in October 1989 encouraged those who wished to push for reforms. Mass demonstrations on the streets of East German cities. Krenz (leader) didn’t want widespread repression so opened access across Berlin Wall. Dismantled 9 Nov by ‘people power’
Czechoslovakia
November 1989. Civic Forum to co-ordinate campaign to get rid of comm govt. severe public pressure, comma caved in, reforms introduced and DEC1989 Havel (playwright and opponent to comm) elected President
Romania
Discontented population tired of food shortages, a lack of consumer goods, repressive government and a lack of real democracy. Demonstrations against comm govt started end of 1989 and support for regime collapsed.
Was Romania’s protest peaceful?
No/ leader used army to fire on the demonstrators (just increased unpopularity of regime). December- even army unwilling to support him. Arrest and execution Xmas
What was a key factor in encouraging the assertion of independence by the satellite states
Gorb’s foreign policy
