1985-1991: Nationalist pressures from the Eastern Bloc

Question 1

How did Communism collapse in Poland

Answer 1

February 1988 raised food prices leading to protests
1989 as the protests were difficult to contain and USSR didn’t help Polish government so agreed to talk to leader of Solidarity
June election Solidarity won
So by end of 1989, Poland became multi-party leading to democracy

Question 2

How did Communism collapse in Hungary

Answer 2

Communist party initiated reforms in 1988
Kadar made a deal with West Gr for money on promise for more free government
April 1989 Soviets agreed to withdraw from Hungary by 1991
1989 Hungarians decide to open frontier with Austria to allow East Gr to enter freely leading to crisis in East Germany, November 1989

Question 3

How did Communism collapse in East Germany

Answer 3

After events in Hungary and removal of borders many East Gr were looking for asylum. 60,000 by 1989 when Austria opened its borders. So East Gr had to allow citizens to travel if they promise to return. Politburo forced Honecker’s resignation making Krenz leader who announced democratic reforms. Krenz wanted economic aid from Gorbachev but did not receive it. Led to government losing control. Reform led to constitution to make communist party the dominant one. Later government resigned making it clear the people wanted reunification

Question 4

How did Communism collapse in Romania

Answer 4

Had national communism with national salvation Front led by Ion Illiesev. In 1989 execution of Clausescu and his wife by firing squad.

Question 5

How did communism collapse in Czechoslovakia

Answer 5

After Prague Spring Soviet remained control until 1989. Czechoslovakia had a thriving economy. Opposition came from Havel who was jailed. With more protest against the government.
Constitution amended to remove Communist party
28th December Havel elected president
Called Velvet revolution

Question 6

When did the Brezhnev doctrine end

Answer 6

March 1989