Collapse of Communism

• What were Glasnost and Perestroika in relation to Eastern Europe?

  They were reforms by Gorbachev that were unpopular with leaders in Eastern Europe.
• When did Communism collapse across Eastern Europe?

  Between 1989 and 1990.
• How did the collapse of Communism differ between Poland and Romania?

  Poland's collapse was peaceful, while Romania's was violent and chaotic.
• What significant political changes occurred in Poland in 1989?

  • Solidarity was legalized.
  • Round Table talks were held with the Communist Party.
  • Solidarity was recognized as a trade union and political party.
• What percentage of seats were non-communists allowed to compete for in the 1989 Polish elections?

  35% of the seats.
• How many seats did Solidarity win in the 1989 Polish elections?

  92 out of 100 seats.
• What event in November 1989 influenced the Polish Communist Party's decision-making?

  The collapse of the GDR made the Polish Communist Party realize their situation was dire.
• What was the new name of the Polish Communist Party in January 1990?

  It rebranded itself as the Social Democrat Party.
• Who became the leader of Poland in November 1990?

  Lech Walesa.
• What decision did the MSZMP make in February 1989 regarding Hungary's political system?

  • Accepted the need for a multi-party democracy.
  • Acknowledged the risk of facing revolution if changes were not made.
• When were free elections held in Hungary?

  In March 1990.
• What was the outcome of the elections for the MSZMP in Hungary?

  It rebranded itself as the Hungarian Socialist Party and won 11% of the vote.
• What coalition government was formed in Hungary in 1994?

  The HSP formed a coalition government with the Free Democrats.
• Who was forced to resign in Bulgaria in November 1989?

  Zhivkov, who had ruled for 35 years.
• When were free elections held in Bulgaria?

  In June 1990.
• What did the Bulgarian Communist Party rebrand itself as?

  It rebranded itself as the Bulgarian Socialist Party.
• What was the political situation in Bulgaria after the BSP formed a coalition government in 1992?

  The BSP won a majority in the elections of 1994.
• What were the events leading up to the Velvet Revolution in Czechoslovakia?

  • Economic reforms were implemented before November.
  • Mass protests demanding change occurred in November.
  • Vaclav Havel became President on December 29th.
• What significant event occurred on January 1st, 1993, in Czechoslovakia?

  Czechoslovakia split into two countries: the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
• What sparked the revolts in Romania in November 1989?

  Revolts broke out in the countryside against Ceausescu.
• How many people were killed in the fighting in Romania in December 1989?

  Around 1,000 people were killed.
• What happened to Ceausescu after he fled the capital on December 21st?

  He was captured on December 25th and executed.
• What was the outcome of the first free election in Romania in May 1990?

  The Communist Party rebranded itself as the NSF and won the election.
• Until when did the NSF remain in the Romanian government?

  Until 1996.