The End of the Cold War

Question 1

What was the revolution in Czechoslovakia in 1989 nicknamed, and why?

Answer 1

‘The velvet revolution’ as it took place without the need for violence

Question 2

Which group lead protests against the communist regime in Czechoslovakia?

Answer 2

The Civic Forum. Vaclav Havel was it’s leader.

Question 3

Which country did Janos Kadar lead for 32 years?

Answer 3

Hungary

Question 4

Describe Romanian living standards in the 1980s.

Answer 4

The leader of Romania, Nicolae Ceausescu had opposed the Prague Spring in 1968, Western leaders saw him as ‘enlightened’, and were willing to fund loans. However this increased Romania’s debt, reaching a peak of $13 billion by 1982.
To pay off these loans, Romania embarked upon a stringent policy of state austerity.
Grain was requisitioned and exported. A policy of urban planning called ‘SYSTEMATIZATION’ which demolished many rural villages in favour of erecting huge tower blocks and agri-industrial complexes took place.
The state healthcare budget was cut by 17%: AIDS became widespread as hypodermic needles were reused. Hot water was limited to 1 day a week in most apartments.

Question 5

Was the 1989 Romanian revolution peaceful?

Answer 5

NO- Uprisings broke out in the Timisoara province, after Father Tokes was arrested by the Securitate for criticising the regime. This lead to widespread anarchy across Romania. Nicolae Ceausescu and his wife were eventually executed on Christmas Day 1989 live on television after being tried by a kangaroo court.

Question 6

What was the Romanian secret police called?

Answer 6

The Securitate

Question 7

What was the name of the priest who initially criticised Ceausescu’s regime in Romania?

Answer 7

Lazlo Tokes

Question 8

What was the leader of the Polish Solidarity Movement called?

Answer 8

Lech Walesa

Question 9

Describe the events which lead Poland to break free of communism in 1989 UNFINISHED

Answer 9

Solidarity, a trade union was formed in September 1980 by Lech Walesa in Poland in response to rising food prices. A year later, almost 1/3rd of the total working age population of Poland had become members of Solidarity. Widespread civil disobedience occurred, until 1981, when General Jaruselzki placed Poland under martial law. Lech Walesa was arrested. Support continued to grow however, shown through the fact that

Question 10

How was the Reagan Doctrine applied to Poland?

Answer 10

The CIA provided the Solidarity movement with $200million a year, through third parties.