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Poland becomes Eastern Europe's first noncommunist government.
Eastern Europe’s first noncommunist government was formed in Poland following the success of the independent trade union “Solidarity” in defeating the Polish United Workers’ Party during the nation’s first democratic parliamentary elections since the end of World War II. This eventually led to the election of Lech Walesa as Poland’s president in 1990. -
Hungary proclaims itself a Republic
On this day, Hungary proclaimed itself a republic. The Hungarian parliament adopted legislation allowing for multi-party parliamentary elections and a direct presidential election, thus weakening the Soviet grip on the Eastern bloc. Starting in early 1990, Soviet troops would begin retreating from Hungary, and they would be completely gone by July 1991. -
Demolition of the Berlin Wall
On November 9, the East German government announced the opening of the border between East and West Germany and ordered the Berlin wall to be torn down. Beginning that evening, German citizens began demolishing the wall, and this continued into the next day. FOOTAGE -
The Malta Summit
A meeting between President George Bush and Mikail Gorbachev that basically ended the Cold War. Both countries decided to reduce their militaries and meet later on in order to discuss a reduction in weaponry as well. PRIMARY SOURCE -
Reunification of Germany
After many mass demonstrations by Germans, East and West Germany were finally reunified. -
The Warsaw Pact is dissolved
The Warsaw Pact was a treaty between communist nations in Eastern Europe, formed as a response to NATO, and guaranteeing military intervention if any of these nations were victims of aggression. In 1990, East Germany left the Warsaw Pact in preparation for its reunification with West Germany. By March 1991, Soviet military commanders had given up control of Warsaw Pact forces. On this day, the dissolution Warsaw Pact was officially recognized, although this had been expected for several years. -
START is signed
On this day, the Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty between Russia and the US was signed. This treaty aimed to limit and reduce the availability of offensive weapons by both parties. It aimed in particular to control nuclear weaponry and ballistic missiles. The treaty was very effective in the long run and a new treaty signed by Barack Obama and Dmitry Medvedev was signed in 2010 after the START I treaty expired. PRIMARY SOURCE -
August Coup
A coup against Gorbachev, the leader of the Soviet Union, planned by parts of the government and military, was attempted. However the coup was poorly planned and organized and ultimately failed after three days. The coup was able to undermine Gorbachev’s power, but it was not able to remove him from office. -
Gorbachev Resigns
Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union, resigns as a result of his administration being undermined as a result of the failed coup in August 1991. This signaled the fall of the Soviet Union, which occurred the next day. -
Collapse of the Soviet Union
The Soviet Union officially announces its collapse and separates into fifteen different countries. This led to a complete change in world politics and the relations between different countries.
