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End of Soviet-Afghan War
This war that had lasted since 1979 had finally ended when death, money, and reputation had conquered the Soviet Union. They initially started this war to spread communism, but as they grew weaker, this war significantly contributed to the downfall of the Soviet Union. -
Polish Round Table Talks
Poland was the first country to test the waters in resisting communism after the Soviet Union claimed they would no longer enforce it in its occupied countries. With their success in their dealings, they were able to lay a path for other countries to follow in gaining independence from communism. -
Tiananmen Square Massacre
About one million of young students gathered in this popular Chinese square to protest for democracy in China and to reject the Chinese Communist Party. Chinese troops and security stormed through this square firing at anyone in their way. Thousands were killed and many were arrested. -
Hungary Opens Borders to Allow East German "Tourists" to Leave
This escape route was also used by many East Germans to escape. In fact, this route led to a huge amount of people traveling to West Germany, the largest migration of people since 1961. This opening allowed over 180,000 people to get out of East Germany. -
Leipzig Crowds
Anti-government crowds gathered in Leipzig, a city in Germany, chanting “We Are the People.” 200,000 to 300,000 people rioted peacefully against communism which contributed greatly to the fall of the Berlin Wall. People faced danger and the rioting here further influenced other people to go outside their comfort zones and demand rights against Communism. -
Soviet Foreign Minister Shevardnadze Calls for End of NATO and Warsaw Pacts
This was a huge request, for the two pacts acted as safety barriers for each side. By asking for them to be dismantled, each side would have to fend for itself. -
Czechoslovakia Opens Borders for East Germans.
Many who resided in East Germany wanted to leave to escape the Communism of the Soviet Union. The Berlin Wall was intended to keep the people from leaving, but Czechoslovakia helped by opening its borders for the East Germans to escape. -
500,000 East Germans Hold Pro-Democracy Demonstration in East Berlin
This event displays how the communist control on East Germany was finally weakening. People had the courage to stand up and protest against the oppression. This would soon lead to people taking even further action in East Germany. -
Fall of Berlin Wall
Crowds of Germans began destroying the wall that would erase the constant reminder of the Cold War division in Europe. Also known as the “Anti-Fascist Protective Wall” or the “Wall of Shame,” this wall was created to separate Western Europe from Eastern during the Cold War. People were restricted from crossing the border, so with the liberation of the strict rule in the East, people destroyed this wall to symbolize the reunification of the two sides.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmRPP2WXX0U -
Communist Governments Fall in Czechoslovakia
The Velvet Revolution was a non-violent riot that lasted for ten days. Czechoslovakia was able to form a new and non-communist government. It was significant because it influenced other countries to end communism.
