Collapse of Soviet control in eastern Europe
Mikail Gorbachev 1985-91
Polocies
Glasnost
Perestroika: Restructuring(modernise and rebuild).
Allowing private ownership, reduction of trade control, allowing trade with other countries outside Soviet Union, allowing foreign investment.
End war with Afghanistan
Dialogue with USA
Ronal Reagan 1981-89
Increased US budged by 32.6 Billion in his first 2 weeks. Production of satellites capable of shooting down missiles (STAR WARS program)
State of eastern Europe
economic shortages
shortage of meat, makeup and heating
Lack of development
Changing attitude towards Eastern Europe
March 1985 Gorbachev declared to the Warsaw pact members that USSR will no longer govern them.
December 1988 Gorbachev declared that USSR will not trade with communist states.
Red army withdrawn 1988
Openness, freedom of speech/choice and honesty amongst Communist politicians.
Fall of the Eastern block 1989-90
Poland
1988 strikes throughout the country. June 1989 communist government defeated in free elections
Hungary
May 1989 opens its borders with Austria. Communist government is not defeated until 1990.
East Germany
September 1989 thousands of East Germans escape to West Germany through Hungary. November 1989 Berlin Wall comes down. 1991 Germany is reunited
Czechoslovakia
Communist government resigns in 1989, a non-communist elected president in December.
Bulgaria
Early 1990 democratic elections are held and the renamed Communist party wins
End of Warsaw pact
Military co-operation between Eastern European states ended early in 1990, Formal dissolving of Warsaw pact July 1991.