Failure of Communism in Eastern Europe

The Eastern Bloc

• Controlled by the USSR.
• Consisted of Bulgaria, Czechoslovakia, East Germany, Hungary, Poland, and Romania.

Impact:

Military force used to suppress any deviation from Soviet control, e.g., Hungary (1956), Czechoslovakia (1968).

Growing Dissent in the 1980s

• Anti-Soviet protests were increasing across the Eastern Bloc.
• Dissatisfaction with poverty, lack of freedom, and exposure to life in the West via TV.

Impact:

Led to the fall of Communist governments in Eastern Europe.

Case Study: Poland and Solidarity

• Food shortages and high inflation led to unrest.
• The Solidarity movement, led by Lech Walesa, garnered massive support.
• Pope John Paul II, being Polish, inspired protests for religious freedom.

Outcome:

Free elections in June 1989; Solidarity took power, ending Communist rule in Poland.

Domino Effect in Eastern Europe

• End of Communism in Poland inspired similar movements across Eastern Europe.
• Gorbachev's reluctance to intervene militarily played a crucial role.

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Failure of Communism in Eastern Europe

Impact:

Case Study: Germany

• August 1989: Austria-Hungary border opened, many East Germans fled.
• November 1989: Berlin Wall opened.
• March 1990: Free elections in East Germany.
• October 1990: German reunification.

Impact:

Eliminated a major Cold War flashpoint.

More Changes in Eastern Europe

• Communist leaders stood down in Czechoslovakia and Hungary.
• Violent revolution in Romania; Ceausescu and his wife executed.

Impact:

Further weakened the control of the USSR over Eastern Europe

Consequences for the Soviet Union

• Loss of control over Eastern Europe led to fewer resources and military manpower.
• However, economic savings could have been made from not having to maintain control.

Impact:

Collapse of the Eastern Bloc greatly destabilized the Soviet Union, contributing to its ultimate fall, though it was not the only factor.

Conclusion

The failure of Communism in Eastern Europe was a pivotal factor in the end of the Cold War. It led to a weakening of the USSR's control and influence, though it was not the only reason for the USSR's collapse.