Reasons For Collapse Of Soviet Control In Eastern Europe

Question 1

Give examples and explain how people power led to the collapse of control over Eastern Europe.

Answer 1

• 1989 the Berlin Wall was torn down by Eastern Germans
• Solidarity movement
• This led to collapse of control as ordinary people were eventually able to triumph over the soviet union, and get their way

Question 2

Give examples and explain how problems in the USSR led to the collapse of control over Eastern Europe.

Answer 2

• They were economically weakened due to the intense nuclear arms race
• A weak economy meant less control

Question 3

Give examples and explain how the actions of leaders in the West led to the collapse of control over Eastern Europe.

Answer 3

Free elections were held in Poland, Hungary and Latvia declared independence
-Facilitated reform which involved less Soviet control

Question 4

Give examples and explain how actions of leaders in eastern europe led to the collapse of control over Eastern Europe.

Answer 4

Ronald Reagan (president in 1981) had a policy of ‘getting tough’ with the USSR, he increased spending in the US military

• By the late 1980s it was clear that USSR could not compete, so this alleviated some tension
• Improved relations meant that less control was needed

Question 5

Give examples and explain how Gorbachev led to the collapse of control over Eastern Europe.

Answer 5

• In 1987 he called together the countries of the warsaw pact and made it clear to eastern european countries that they were free to determine their own futures
• in 1989 he made clear that the red army would not intervene
• Wanted to radically reform communism which created the environment that lead to countries breaking away from soviet control