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Collapse of Communism in Poland
A wave of strikes hit Poland in August 1989, this was to begin the downfall of capitalism. Jaruzelski had spressed a workers uprising in 1981 and declared a state of martial law. Solidarity had to operate illegally, yet its support was high. They were endorsed by the Catholic Church with papal visits in 1983 and 1987. By 88 Martial law was lifted and reforms prepared. Solidarity was legalised, and it (with other political parties) were allowed. In 1989 they defeated the communists by a landslide -
End of Communism in Hungary
In Hungary the pressure for reform came from within the Communist party. In 1988 Kadar, who'd been leader since 1956, was sacked. A government now dominated by reformers allowed other parties to stand in democratic elections. In September 1989 they opened their borders to the West, to undermine East Germany. On the 11th September alone 125,000 East Germans crossed into Austria.This in turn put pressure on the East German government -
Collapse of the DDR
On the 9th November 1989 the symbol of the Cold War, the Berlin Wall, was dismantled by the people. As an artificial country, East Germany was more reliant on Soviet support than other regimes. Gorbachev, in his visit in October 1989 became the focus of those wanting to reform in the country. Honecker, East German leader, refused to even contemplate the prospect of reform. There were mass demonstrations on the seats of east germany, with the pressure for reform becoming unstoppable. -
Velvet Revolution
In Novermber 1989 the communist regime in Czechoslovakia was forced to make concessions in response to public deomonstrations. 'Civic Forum' emerged to coordinate the campaign to rid the Communist government. They caved in 1989, and Vaclac Havel was elected president. There was little violence so it was described as the 'velvet revolution'. This led to the seperation of the Czech and Slovak governments. -
Fall of communism in Romania
Throughout the whole of 1989 Romania seemed most immune of calls for change. Ceausescu was confident enough to leave for Iran in early Decmeber. The revolution was sparked by Lazlo Tokes, a priest from Timosoara. He broke the law by allowing poetry be recited. Crowds demonstrated against is areas. 71 people were killed causing outrage. The army were then unwilling to take action against people booing Ceausescu. They were forced to flee, street fights continued until they were executed.
