Gorbachev Moves Toward Democracy Chapter 19 Section 3

Gorbachev Moves Toward Democracy Chapter 19 / Section 3

Gorbachev’s Reforms l Mikhail Gorbachev, comes to power in 1982. Ends hardcore Communist leadership. l Introduces Glasnost, a policy known as openness. Encourages citizens to find way to improve society. l ALLOWS WHAT?

Gorbachev’s Reforms (cont’d) l Perestroika, better known as economic restructuring. People now greater authority over farms, factories, etc. (1985) l Foreign Policy: l Democratization, opening of political system. WHY?

Reforms in Poland Hungary l Poland: Wanted change. Led by Solidarity, a union demanding recognition. RECEIVE IT? l Lech Walesa, led Solidarity. l After a short victory in 1980, Solidarity was put down by Communist Party until 1989 -90. l Led to “Domino Effect” in Hungary and East Germany.

Communism Falls in East Germany l Starts in 1989 when vacationing East Germans had a new escape route through Hungary. l By October, 1989 the demonstrations broke out for free travel and later free elections. l November 9, 1989 Egon Krenz, leader of East Germany opens borders.

Communism Falls in East Germany (cont’d) l When Germany reunified as one country officially on Oct. 3, 1990 many Eastern European nations were soon to follow. l Democracy was spreading East through Czechoslovakia, Romania (Communist killed on Christmas, 1989). Past satellite nations soon.

Collapse of the Soviet Union Chapter 19 / Section 4

Unrest in the Soviet Union l With more than 100 ethnic groups throughout the Soviet Union they began to call for freedom as many Eastern European nations had. l PROBLEMS START WHERE? l Lithuania and Independence. l Hard-Liners furious with Gorbachev. l Led to first elected President Boris Yeltsin.

Unrest in the Soviet Union (cont’d) l August Coup: August 18, 1991. The day hard-liners detained Gorbachev, to drive him from office. l Gorbachev ordered the Parliament raided, (Yeltsin) but soldiers refuse, led to end of the Soviet Union. l Upset Gorbachev resigns and Parliament stops party activities.

Unrest in the Soviet Union (cont’d) l Led to all 15 republics declaring independence. l They create the CIS, Commonwealth of Independent States. (Former Soviet territories) l Official death of the Soviet Union.

Yeltsin Era l Now President of the CIS Yeltsin had to find a way to fix the economy l Started “shock therapy”, abrupt shift to free market economies. l PURPOSE? l Also had to deal with Chechnya, led to Yeltsin resignation in 1999. WHY?

Eastern Europe Problems l Conflict in the region. WHY? l Different ethnic groups. l Led to Ethnic Cleansing, policy of murder and other acts of brutality to eliminate a population. l Used in Bosnia, to rid of Muslim population. l Problems continue in all Eastern European nations today.