The Cold WarThe Cold War

WWII – seeds of the Cold WarWWII – seeds of the Cold War

The Big Three of The Big Three of Roosevelt, Stalin, and Roosevelt, Stalin, and Churchill met several Churchill met several times throughout the times throughout the war in order to present war in order to present a united front against a united front against Nazi Germany. It was Nazi Germany. It was clear during these clear during these meetings that below meetings that below the superficiality of the superficiality of defeating Hitler lay defeating Hitler lay myriad differences myriad differences that led to the Cold that led to the Cold War.War.

1941 – the Atlantic 1941 – the Atlantic Charter – before the US Charter – before the US was even in WWII, FDR was even in WWII, FDR and Churchill met and Churchill met aboard military ships in aboard military ships in the North Atlantic and the North Atlantic and agreed to a broad set of agreed to a broad set of political aims for Europe political aims for Europe – similar to Wilson’s – similar to Wilson’s Fourteen Points. These Fourteen Points. These political aims were put political aims were put aside in favor of a aside in favor of a military alliance when military alliance when after Operation after Operation Barbarossa, Stalin joined Barbarossa, Stalin joined FDR and Churchill.FDR and Churchill.

Tehran 1943 – The Big Three Tehran 1943 – The Big Three met at Tehran.met at Tehran.

US and UK agreed to open a US and UK agreed to open a massive second front massive second front against Germany in 1944 against Germany in 1944 **west coast attack allowed **west coast attack allowed the development of a the development of a west/east split in the west/east split in the continent**continent**

USSR agreed to fight against USSR agreed to fight against Japan when Germany was Japan when Germany was defeated.defeated.

The question of a post-war The question of a post-war Europe was broached – with Europe was broached – with Stalin wanting to keep the Stalin wanting to keep the lands achieved from the lands achieved from the Molotov-von Ribbentrop Pact Molotov-von Ribbentrop Pact and to dismantle Germany.and to dismantle Germany.

1944 – despite the rebellion of the Pole 1944 – despite the rebellion of the Pole against Germany, the USSR did not support against Germany, the USSR did not support their uprising – instead the USSR drove into their uprising – instead the USSR drove into Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary.Romania, Bulgaria, and Hungary.

Churchill flew to Moscow in alarm and Churchill flew to Moscow in alarm and devised a system of spheres of influence devised a system of spheres of influence with the West controlling Greece, the USSR with the West controlling Greece, the USSR Bulgaria and Romania, and Yugoslavia and Bulgaria and Romania, and Yugoslavia and Hungary equally controlled by USSR and the Hungary equally controlled by USSR and the West.West.

This did not have the backing of FDR and This did not have the backing of FDR and the US – who objected to the old imperialist the US – who objected to the old imperialist tendencies of the UK and USSR.tendencies of the UK and USSR.

YaltaYalta

February 1945 – the Big Three February 1945 – the Big Three met for the last time (as FDR met for the last time (as FDR was dying). The Allies had yet was dying). The Allies had yet to cross the Rhine River into to cross the Rhine River into Germany but the USSR was Germany but the USSR was only 100 miles from Berlin.only 100 miles from Berlin.

The war in the Pacific was The war in the Pacific was continuing and the Manhattan continuing and the Manhattan Project had yet to be tested.Project had yet to be tested.

FDR needed Stalin in the FDR needed Stalin in the Pacific and was suspect of Pacific and was suspect of Churchill’s desire to rebuild Churchill’s desire to rebuild the British Empire after the the British Empire after the war.war.

United Nations agreed upon.United Nations agreed upon. Later critics of FDR blamed Later critics of FDR blamed

him for not pressing Stalin to him for not pressing Stalin to give up control of eastern give up control of eastern Europe at this time. Europe at this time. Revisionist???Revisionist???

Potsdam – July 1945Potsdam – July 1945 In the suburb of Berlin In the suburb of Berlin

the Big Three met for the Big Three met for the last time – with a the last time – with a change of characters.change of characters.

FDR – Harry S TrumanFDR – Harry S Truman Churchill and the Churchill and the

Conservatives lost the Conservatives lost the Parliamentary Parliamentary elections and Clement elections and Clement Atlee and Labour Atlee and Labour established a established a government.government.

Poland given German land in exchange Poland given German land in exchange for Polish land controlled by the USSRfor Polish land controlled by the USSR

Germany was to divided into occupation Germany was to divided into occupation zones until a final solution was devisedzones until a final solution was devised

Council of Foreign Ministers was created Council of Foreign Ministers was created to write peace treaties for Germany’s to write peace treaties for Germany’s allies (Italy, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, allies (Italy, Romania, Hungary, Bulgaria, and Finland 1947 (Japan and US 1951 – and Finland 1947 (Japan and US 1951 – Japan and USSR 1956)Japan and USSR 1956)

The Iron CurtainThe Iron Curtain

In February 1946, Stalin In February 1946, Stalin and Molotov began to and Molotov began to speak publicly about the speak publicly about the western democracies as western democracies as enemies of the USSR.enemies of the USSR.

March 1946, Churchill March 1946, Churchill was invited to speak in was invited to speak in Fulton, Missouri when Fulton, Missouri when he warned the west of he warned the west of the growing soviet the growing soviet danger and coined the danger and coined the phrase “Iron Curtain”.phrase “Iron Curtain”.

George F. Kennan – State Department Official in MoscowGeorge F. Kennan – State Department Official in Moscow

Feb. 22 - Kennan's Long Telegram - 8000 words from Feb. 22 - Kennan's Long Telegram - 8000 words from Moscow embassy of U.S. Moscow embassy of U.S.

Soviet power was the product of a "monolithic" ideology. Soviet power was the product of a "monolithic" ideology. Russian behavior determined by a "traditional and Russian behavior determined by a "traditional and

instinctive Russian sense of insecurity." instinctive Russian sense of insecurity." "we have here a political force committed fanatically to the "we have here a political force committed fanatically to the

belief that with US there can be no permanent modus belief that with US there can be no permanent modus vivendi." vivendi."

spread of communism was the greatest danger to the free spread of communism was the greatest danger to the free world, not Soviet army. world, not Soviet army.

communism is a "malignant parasite which feeds only on communism is a "malignant parasite which feeds only on diseased tissue." diseased tissue."

"much depends on health and vigor of our own society." "much depends on health and vigor of our own society." The greatest danger "is that we shall allow ourselves to The greatest danger "is that we shall allow ourselves to become like those with whom we are coping." become like those with whom we are coping."

The Marshall PlanThe Marshall Plan

1947 – Secretary of State George Marshall 1947 – Secretary of State George Marshall implemented a plan to rebuild Europe.implemented a plan to rebuild Europe.

=$13 billion dollars spent to rebuild =$13 billion dollars spent to rebuild EuropeEurope

Communist nations offered the money – Communist nations offered the money – but rejected it.but rejected it.

This was done for humanitarian reasons This was done for humanitarian reasons AND as a way to keep people from being AND as a way to keep people from being disillusioned and turning to communism.disillusioned and turning to communism.

The Truman Doctrine- ContainmentThe Truman Doctrine- Containment

After WWII – few had the desire for a war After WWII – few had the desire for a war with the USSR. Many hoped the newly with the USSR. Many hoped the newly developed United Nations – and the US developed United Nations – and the US possession of the atomic bomb would possession of the atomic bomb would ensure peace and US dominance.ensure peace and US dominance.

President Truman turned US foreign policy President Truman turned US foreign policy to that of one which worked to stop any to that of one which worked to stop any spread of Communism. spread of Communism.

Stalin and the USSR were quickly Stalin and the USSR were quickly capitalizing on the disillusionment of post-capitalizing on the disillusionment of post-war Europe in order to spread communism.war Europe in order to spread communism.

GREECE – 1947 Britain had been supporting GREECE – 1947 Britain had been supporting the royalist government in a civil war between the royalist government in a civil war between royalists and communists. By 1947, Britain royalists and communists. By 1947, Britain informed Truman that it had no money to informed Truman that it had no money to continue to support the royalist. Truman continue to support the royalist. Truman persuaded Congress to support the anti-persuaded Congress to support the anti-communists. Similar action was taken in communists. Similar action was taken in Turkey.Turkey.

Truman pledged US support for “free people Truman pledged US support for “free people who are resisting attempted subjugation by who are resisting attempted subjugation by armed minorities or by outside pressures.”armed minorities or by outside pressures.”

Determined never to allow the USSR to again be Determined never to allow the USSR to again be invaded – Stalin insured that the nations on the invaded – Stalin insured that the nations on the western border to the USSR were communist.western border to the USSR were communist.

1947 – Warsaw – Communist Information 1947 – Warsaw – Communist Information Bureau (Cominform)– revised CominternBureau (Cominform)– revised Comintern

1948 – communists expelled democratic 1948 – communists expelled democratic members of the Czech government – murdering members of the Czech government – murdering some. Communists in the Czech coalition some. Communists in the Czech coalition murdered Jan Masaryk – son of the founder of murdered Jan Masaryk – son of the founder of Czechoslovakia Thomas Masaryk – forced Czechoslovakia Thomas Masaryk – forced President Edvard Benes to resign – and brought President Edvard Benes to resign – and brought Czechoslovakia under Soviet controlCzechoslovakia under Soviet control

YugoslaviaYugoslavia

Communist partisans Communist partisans under the control of Josip under the control of Josip “Broz” Tito had helped “Broz” Tito had helped defeat the Nazis.defeat the Nazis.

In control of Yugoslavia In control of Yugoslavia after the war, Tito removed after the war, Tito removed Yugoslavia from the sphere Yugoslavia from the sphere of Soviet influence – but of Soviet influence – but remained communist.remained communist.

Stalin feared that even if Stalin feared that even if Eastern European nations Eastern European nations has communist has communist governments, they may governments, they may opt out of Soviet opt out of Soviet domination if given the domination if given the chance.chance.

Divisions of GermanyDivisions of Germany

It had been decided before the war ended It had been decided before the war ended that Germany would be dismembered – the that Germany would be dismembered – the question was – how?question was – how?

Immediately after V-E Day – Germany and Immediately after V-E Day – Germany and Austria (and their capitals) were divided by Austria (and their capitals) were divided by the French, British, Americans, and Soviets.the French, British, Americans, and Soviets.

Stalin began to destroy German industry in Stalin began to destroy German industry in the Soviet zone – as a way to make sure the Soviet zone – as a way to make sure Germany would not rise up.Germany would not rise up.

The US and the west did not follow – they The US and the west did not follow – they wanted a weak Germany – but not one so wanted a weak Germany – but not one so ruined that they would have to support it for ruined that they would have to support it for years.years.

The West wanted a self –sufficient Germany – The West wanted a self –sufficient Germany – which was the last thing Stalin wanted. The which was the last thing Stalin wanted. The Western Zone were developing economically in a Western Zone were developing economically in a way that seemed to threaten his control of the way that seemed to threaten his control of the Soviet Zone. This was especially evident in the Soviet Zone. This was especially evident in the Western Zone of Berlin.Western Zone of Berlin.

Berlin Blockade – in an attempt to get the Berlin Blockade – in an attempt to get the Western powers to leave Berlin – in February Western powers to leave Berlin – in February 1948, the Soviets closed all roads to Berlin. The 1948, the Soviets closed all roads to Berlin. The West responded with an airlift that lasted until West responded with an airlift that lasted until May 1949 when the Soviets reopened the roads.May 1949 when the Soviets reopened the roads.

The Western Zone became the German Federal The Western Zone became the German Federal Republic and the Soviet Zone became the Republic and the Soviet Zone became the German Democratic Republic.German Democratic Republic.

The Berlin WallThe Berlin Wall

1961 – Nikita Khrushchev said that too 1961 – Nikita Khrushchev said that too many people were leaving the communist many people were leaving the communist nations through the city of Berlin.nations through the city of Berlin.

He had a wall erected along the dividing He had a wall erected along the dividing line between the western and eastern line between the western and eastern zones of Berlin.zones of Berlin.

Over the years, hundreds were killed Over the years, hundreds were killed trying to cross into the west.trying to cross into the west.

In 1989 – the Soviets allowed the wall to In 1989 – the Soviets allowed the wall to be dismantledbe dismantled

NATO vs. Warsaw PactNATO vs. Warsaw Pact

By 1955 – Europe was divided into military By 1955 – Europe was divided into military alliances:alliances:

NATONATO:: Great Britain, Norway, Denmark, Great Britain, Norway, Denmark, West Germany, France, The Netherlands, West Germany, France, The Netherlands, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Spain, Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, TurkeyPortugal, Italy, Greece, Turkey

WARSAW PACTWARSAW PACT: USSR, Poland, East : USSR, Poland, East Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Romania, BulgariaRomania, Bulgaria COMECON – Council of Mutual Assistance COMECON – Council of Mutual Assistance

integrated communist economiesintegrated communist economies NEUTRAL: NEUTRAL: Finland, Sweden, Switzerland, Finland, Sweden, Switzerland,

Austria, Yugoslavia, AlbaniaAustria, Yugoslavia, Albania

Nikita KhrushchevNikita Khrushchev

When Stalin died in 1953, he was replaced by When Stalin died in 1953, he was replaced by Nikita KhrushchevNikita Khrushchev

Khrushchev retained authoritarianism – but Khrushchev retained authoritarianism – but removed much of the Stalinist terror – he removed much of the Stalinist terror – he allowed the publication of Alexander allowed the publication of Alexander Solzhenitsyn’s Solzhenitsyn’s One Day in the Life of Ivan One Day in the Life of Ivan DenisovichDenisovich which portrayed the cruelty of the which portrayed the cruelty of the gulags – however – when Boris Pasternak won gulags – however – when Boris Pasternak won the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958 – he was the Nobel Prize for Literature in 1958 – he was not allowed to leave the country.not allowed to leave the country.

Internal exile remained and freedom of Internal exile remained and freedom of movement was missingmovement was missing

Khrushchev pushed the Soviet race Khrushchev pushed the Soviet race into space – SPUTNIK 1957into space – SPUTNIK 1957

1956 – Khrushchev's secret speech 1956 – Khrushchev's secret speech at the 20at the 20thth Congress of the Congress of the Communist Party – he denounced Communist Party – he denounced Stalin and his crimes – slowly Stalin and his crimes – slowly Stalinists were removed from power.Stalinists were removed from power.

The Cold War as a Series of CrisesThe Cold War as a Series of Crises

The question of return of refugees. The The question of return of refugees. The USSR demanded that after the war – all USSR demanded that after the war – all DPs – displaced people – be forced to DPs – displaced people – be forced to return to their place of origin. Few return to their place of origin. Few refugees wished to return to governments refugees wished to return to governments now under Soviet control.now under Soviet control.

The Jewish refugee question was one of The Jewish refugee question was one of tremendous debate:tremendous debate:

ZionismZionismChaim WeizmannChaim WeizmannTheodor HerzlTheodor HerzlArthur Balfour – Balfour DeclarationArthur Balfour – Balfour Declaration

Since 1919 – the British ran the Since 1919 – the British ran the Palestine MandatePalestine Mandate

Growing numbers of Zionists Growing numbers of Zionists moved into the region in the moved into the region in the days after 1919 and days after 1919 and established the YISHUV – established the YISHUV – determined to force the British determined to force the British out in favor of an independent out in favor of an independent IsraelIsrael

However, the Palestinian Arabs However, the Palestinian Arabs in the region saw the British in the region saw the British and newly immigrated Yishuv and newly immigrated Yishuv members as outsiders – and members as outsiders – and they demanded the British they demanded the British leave and allow Arab leave and allow Arab nationalism.nationalism.

1947 – the UN split the region 1947 – the UN split the region into Arab and Jewish areas – into Arab and Jewish areas – the US backed Israel and the the US backed Israel and the USSR associated itself with USSR associated itself with Arab nationalismArab nationalism

1956 – Suez Canal Crisis1956 – Suez Canal Crisis Egyptian Gamal Abdel Nasser – seized power and Egyptian Gamal Abdel Nasser – seized power and

established a dictatorship with himself as the established a dictatorship with himself as the proponent of Arab nationalism. He rejected control by proponent of Arab nationalism. He rejected control by European or American powers – but did accept aid European or American powers – but did accept aid from the USSR.from the USSR.

Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal – taking power Nasser nationalized the Suez Canal – taking power from the British and French businesses that ran it.from the British and French businesses that ran it.

1956 – Egypt declared war on Israel – Britain and 1956 – Egypt declared war on Israel – Britain and France used this as an excuse to attack Egypt and France used this as an excuse to attack Egypt and take the canal to “separate Egypt and Israel” – it did take the canal to “separate Egypt and Israel” – it did not work.not work.

The US refused to accept British and French The US refused to accept British and French involvement in Egypt.involvement in Egypt.

NasserNasser

1956 – the Polish Communist Party refused to 1956 – the Polish Communist Party refused to accept the prime minister picked by the USSR accept the prime minister picked by the USSR – they selected Wladyslaw Gomulka who – they selected Wladyslaw Gomulka who ended collectivization and opened relations ended collectivization and opened relations with the Catholic Church – but still worked with the Catholic Church – but still worked with the USSRwith the USSR

October 1956 – Budapest, Hungary – October 1956 – Budapest, Hungary – Hungarian Communist leader Imre Nagy Hungarian Communist leader Imre Nagy called for greater independence from the called for greater independence from the USSR similar to that of Tito in Yugoslavia – USSR similar to that of Tito in Yugoslavia – Soviet troops invaded – Nagy was executedSoviet troops invaded – Nagy was executed

NagyNagy

Prague Spring - 1968Prague Spring - 1968

In the spring of 1968, the Czech In the spring of 1968, the Czech government of Communist ALEXANDER government of Communist ALEXANDER DUBCEK – began to liberalize communism in DUBCEK – began to liberalize communism in Czechoslovakia- Soviet troops were sent in Czechoslovakia- Soviet troops were sent in and installed a new governmentand installed a new government

LEONID BREZHNEV became Soviet leader in LEONID BREZHNEV became Soviet leader in 1964 – replacing Khrushchev who had been 1964 – replacing Khrushchev who had been weaken by the Cuban Missile Crisis.weaken by the Cuban Missile Crisis.

BREZHNEV DOCTRINE – The USSR had the BREZHNEV DOCTRINE – The USSR had the right to interfere with other governments in right to interfere with other governments in order to preserve their communist order to preserve their communist governments.governments.

DubcekDubcek

BrezhnevBrezhnev

Soviets in PragueSoviets in Prague

A Thaw in the Cold War (but not A Thaw in the Cold War (but not in Africa, Asia, and Latin in Africa, Asia, and Latin

America)America) Under the control of Brezhnev, the USSR returned Under the control of Brezhnev, the USSR returned

to more repressive measures than had been to more repressive measures than had been under Khrushchev – Stalin-lite – internal exile, under Khrushchev – Stalin-lite – internal exile, psychiatric hospitals, etc.psychiatric hospitals, etc.

Brezhnev, however, was willing to meet and sign Brezhnev, however, was willing to meet and sign agreements with Richard Nixon to limit nuclear agreements with Richard Nixon to limit nuclear weapons – SALT – Strategic Arms Limitation Talksweapons – SALT – Strategic Arms Limitation Talks

This thaw was known as DÉTENTEThis thaw was known as DÉTENTE 1975 – HELSINKI ACCORDS – signed by Gerald 1975 – HELSINKI ACCORDS – signed by Gerald

Ford and other world leaders, the existing borders Ford and other world leaders, the existing borders and governments in Eastern Europe were and governments in Eastern Europe were recognized as legitimate.recognized as legitimate.

Look Out! The Iron Curtain is Rusting!!!!Look Out! The Iron Curtain is Rusting!!!!

The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan The 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan helped to set the USSR on the road to helped to set the USSR on the road to ruin.ruin.

Afghanistan became the USSR’s Afghanistan became the USSR’s VietnamVietnam

1980 – the US and many Western 1980 – the US and many Western nations boycotted the Summer nations boycotted the Summer Olympics in Moscow – the 1984 Summer Olympics in Moscow – the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles were boycotted Olympics in Los Angeles were boycotted by the Soviets and many of their allies.by the Soviets and many of their allies.

For Hundreds of Years, the Poles Caused Problems For Hundreds of Years, the Poles Caused Problems for Russian Leadersfor Russian Leaders

1978, the cardinal of 1978, the cardinal of Krakow, Poland was Krakow, Poland was elected the Roman elected the Roman Catholic pope.Catholic pope.

Karol Wojtyla became Karol Wojtyla became Pope John Paul IIPope John Paul II

He became a symbol He became a symbol of struggle against of struggle against Communism – a Communism – a symbol he fostered symbol he fostered and secretly acted and secretly acted upon.upon.

Solidarity- SolidarnoscSolidarity- Solidarnosc

1980 – the Polish government raised meat prices 1980 – the Polish government raised meat prices (COMMAND ECONOMY) which was the spark that (COMMAND ECONOMY) which was the spark that ignited protests across Poland.ignited protests across Poland.

14 August 1980 – the workers of the Lenin Shipyard in 14 August 1980 – the workers of the Lenin Shipyard in Gdansk, Poland went on strike and seized the Gdansk, Poland went on strike and seized the shipyard.shipyard.

The workers organized their own, non-government The workers organized their own, non-government run, union – Solidarity and elected Lech Walesa as run, union – Solidarity and elected Lech Walesa as leader.leader.

31 August 1980 – the strike ended after the Polish 31 August 1980 – the strike ended after the Polish government promised the right of workers to organize government promised the right of workers to organize their own union.their own union.

September 1980 – the head of the Polish Communist September 1980 – the head of the Polish Communist Party was replaced – the Polish courts recognized the Party was replaced – the Polish courts recognized the right of Solidarity to exist – a Mass was broadcast on right of Solidarity to exist – a Mass was broadcast on the radio for the first time since 1950.the radio for the first time since 1950.

1981 – General 1981 – General Wojciech Jaruzelski Wojciech Jaruzelski became head of the became head of the Polish Communist Polish Communist Party and imposed Party and imposed martial law at the martial law at the urging of the Soviets.urging of the Soviets.

Walesa and union Walesa and union leaders were arrested. leaders were arrested. This kept Soviet This kept Soviet troops out of Polandtroops out of Poland

The Evil EmpireThe Evil Empire

1983 – many on the left were shocked when Ronald Reagan 1983 – many on the left were shocked when Ronald Reagan seemed to abandon détente and called the USSR an “Evil seemed to abandon détente and called the USSR an “Evil Empire”Empire”

Reagan’s promotion of STAR WARS technology and the Reagan’s promotion of STAR WARS technology and the implementation of Patriot missiles in Europe led to mass implementation of Patriot missiles in Europe led to mass demonstrations and the fear of the Cold War going hot – demonstrations and the fear of the Cold War going hot – HOWEVER!!!HOWEVER!!!

1982 – the end of 1982 – the end of Soviet television Soviet television and radio and radio broadcasts and the broadcasts and the playing of somber playing of somber music signified that music signified that something strategic something strategic had happened in had happened in Moscow. It turned Moscow. It turned out to be the death out to be the death of Leonid Brezhnev.of Leonid Brezhnev.

1984 – the end of 1984 – the end of Soviet television and Soviet television and radio broadcasts and radio broadcasts and the playing of the playing of somber music somber music signified that signified that something strategic something strategic had happened in had happened in Moscow. It turned out Moscow. It turned out to be the death of to be the death of Yuri Andropov – Yuri Andropov – Brezhnev’s Brezhnev’s successor.successor.

1985 – the end of 1985 – the end of Soviet television and Soviet television and radio broadcasts and radio broadcasts and the playing of somber the playing of somber music signified that music signified that something strategic something strategic had happened in had happened in Moscow. It turned out Moscow. It turned out to be the death of to be the death of Konstantin Chernenko Konstantin Chernenko – Andropov’s – Andropov’s successor.successor.

The Man Who Killed the USSR by Trying to Save ItThe Man Who Killed the USSR by Trying to Save It

Mikhail GorbachevMikhail Gorbachev Gorbachev was faced Gorbachev was faced

with chaos in with chaos in Afghanistan, a failing Afghanistan, a failing economy, satellite economy, satellite countries that countries that demanded more demanded more autonomy, and a autonomy, and a renewed American renewed American arms race that was arms race that was bankrupting the Soviet bankrupting the Soviet government.government.

PERESTROIKA – Gorbachev shocked people in the PERESTROIKA – Gorbachev shocked people in the USSR and around the world when he stated that USSR and around the world when he stated that the Soviet government, Communist Party, the Soviet government, Communist Party, economy, etc were too bureaucratic and top economy, etc were too bureaucratic and top heavy. He pushed through restructuring programs heavy. He pushed through restructuring programs known as perestroika. He believed in the soviet known as perestroika. He believed in the soviet system and believed it could be saved from itself.system and believed it could be saved from itself.

GLASNOST – because he believed in the soviet GLASNOST – because he believed in the soviet system, Gorbachev saw no reason why people system, Gorbachev saw no reason why people should not be able to criticize it, discuss it openly, should not be able to criticize it, discuss it openly, etc. He called for greater openness in the USSR. etc. He called for greater openness in the USSR. Censorship was relaxed, political dissidents were Censorship was relaxed, political dissidents were released from prisons, the 1988 Communist Party released from prisons, the 1988 Communist Party Congress saw real debate for the first time. 1988 Congress saw real debate for the first time. 1988 – open elections were held in the USSR.– open elections were held in the USSR.

Given a choice, people wanted OUT – oops!!!Given a choice, people wanted OUT – oops!!!

Gorbachev was shocked how when given Gorbachev was shocked how when given openness, people in communist nations opted openness, people in communist nations opted not to reform but to abandon communism.not to reform but to abandon communism.

1988 – martial law in Poland had been 1988 – martial law in Poland had been relaxed and Solidarity leaders released from relaxed and Solidarity leaders released from prison. Jaruzelski faced strikes from unions prison. Jaruzelski faced strikes from unions other than Solidarity. Political reforms were other than Solidarity. Political reforms were attempted and in 1989 open elections were attempted and in 1989 open elections were held. Solidarity won a vast number of seats held. Solidarity won a vast number of seats in the Polish parliament and a Solidarity in the Polish parliament and a Solidarity prime minister was named – By By prime minister was named – By By Communism!!!Communism!!!

The Ghost of Nagy Rises From the GraveThe Ghost of Nagy Rises From the Grave

1989 – Hungary opened its border with 1989 – Hungary opened its border with Austria – thousands of eastern Austria – thousands of eastern Europeans made their way to Hungary Europeans made their way to Hungary – across the border to Austria and – across the border to Austria and freedom.freedom.

May 1989 – Janos Kadar – removed as May 1989 – Janos Kadar – removed as Hungarian Communist Party president.Hungarian Communist Party president.

The body of Imre Nagy was re-interred The body of Imre Nagy was re-interred after an honorary burialafter an honorary burial

October 1989 – open electionsOctober 1989 – open elections

The Dissolution of East GermanyThe Dissolution of East Germany

The fall of 1989 – popular The fall of 1989 – popular demonstrations rose up in demonstrations rose up in East Germany – Gorbachev East Germany – Gorbachev told the East German told the East German government that the USSR government that the USSR would not send troops to would not send troops to help support the help support the demonstrationsdemonstrations

The East German The East German government resigned and government resigned and was replaced by younger was replaced by younger Communists – who resigned Communists – who resigned as wellas well

November 1989 – the Berlin November 1989 – the Berlin wall was opened and East wall was opened and East Germany was no more.Germany was no more.

West German chancellor West German chancellor Helmut Kohl announced full Helmut Kohl announced full unification with the east.unification with the east.

The Velvet RevolutionThe Velvet Revolution

1989 – the 1989 – the Czechoslovakian Czechoslovakian Communist Communist government fell and in government fell and in open elections the open elections the CIVIC FORUM led by CIVIC FORUM led by Vaclav Havel won.Vaclav Havel won.

Havel was president Havel was president and the hero of 1968 – and the hero of 1968 – Alexander Dubcek Alexander Dubcek became chairman of became chairman of parliamentparliament

Ceausescu – Bang, bang, You’re Dead!Ceausescu – Bang, bang, You’re Dead!

In Romania, dictator In Romania, dictator Nicolae Ceausescu Nicolae Ceausescu refused to give up refused to give up power.power.

The Romanian The Romanian government brought government brought miners and workers miners and workers from the countryside from the countryside into Bucharest to attack into Bucharest to attack the pro-democracy the pro-democracy demonstrators.demonstrators.

Ceausescu and his wife Ceausescu and his wife were captured and were captured and shot.shot.

Back in the USSR!?Back in the USSR!?

1990- Gorbachev proposed to the central 1990- Gorbachev proposed to the central Committee of the Soviet Communist Party that it Committee of the Soviet Communist Party that it abandon its monopoly on power – rejecting abandon its monopoly on power – rejecting LeninismLeninism

Internal divisions:Internal divisions: 1. old soviets who wanted to retain the power of the 1. old soviets who wanted to retain the power of the

Communist Party and Soviet ArmyCommunist Party and Soviet Army 2. those who wanted fast reform – led by Boris Yeltsin2. those who wanted fast reform – led by Boris Yeltsin 3. Soviet republics who wanted independence – Estonia, 3. Soviet republics who wanted independence – Estonia,

Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia. Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Ukraine, Georgia, Armenia. Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) Initial moves toward Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan) Initial moves toward independence were met by Soviet troops – but by 1991 independence were met by Soviet troops – but by 1991 the republics had left the USSRthe republics had left the USSR

August 1991 CoupAugust 1991 Coup August 1991 – Gorbachev August 1991 – Gorbachev

was on vacation when was on vacation when conservative elements conservative elements moved to oust and arrest moved to oust and arrest Gorbachev. Gorbachev.

In Moscow, the independent In Moscow, the independent Russian Parliament – led by Russian Parliament – led by Boris Yeltsin, challenged the Boris Yeltsin, challenged the plotters and asked the world plotters and asked the world to support democracy in to support democracy in Russia.Russia.

Gorbachev was rescued but Gorbachev was rescued but was so weakened – he left was so weakened – he left office in December when the office in December when the USSR came to an end.USSR came to an end.

Commonwealth of Commonwealth of Independent StatesIndependent States

Yeltsin to PutinYeltsin to Putin

Boris Yeltsin was the first Boris Yeltsin was the first president of Russiapresident of Russia

Yeltsin faced myriad economic Yeltsin faced myriad economic problems as he attempted to problems as he attempted to bring Russia in line with the bring Russia in line with the modern western economies.modern western economies.

He faced massive opposition He faced massive opposition from old Communists in the from old Communists in the Russian parliament.Russian parliament.

September 1993 Yeltsin September 1993 Yeltsin suspended Parliament. suspended Parliament. Parliament leaders attempted Parliament leaders attempted to raise popular to raise popular demonstrations against demonstrations against Yeltsin.Yeltsin.

Yeltsin and the military Yeltsin and the military attacked Parliament attacked Parliament

1993 – voters approved a new 1993 – voters approved a new constitution that consolidated constitution that consolidated more power in the presidency.more power in the presidency.

Vladimir PutinVladimir Putin Yeltsin was unable to solve Yeltsin was unable to solve

the massive economic the massive economic problems faced by Russia.problems faced by Russia.

““The oligarchs” assumed The oligarchs” assumed tremendous wealth and tremendous wealth and power.power.

Weakened economy Weakened economy placed Russia in debt and placed Russia in debt and ruined pensionersruined pensioners

CHECHNYA – Islamic CHECHNYA – Islamic separatistsseparatists

AlcoholismAlcoholism Yeltsin resigned in favor of Yeltsin resigned in favor of

Vladimir PutinVladimir Putin

European Economic UnityEuropean Economic Unity

World War II destroyed Europe politically, World War II destroyed Europe politically, socially and economically. It took many socially and economically. It took many nations decades to come back from the nations decades to come back from the destruction of the war.destruction of the war.

1952 – France and West Germany decide to 1952 – France and West Germany decide to join an organization to rebuild their coal and join an organization to rebuild their coal and steel businesses – The Coal and Steel steel businesses – The Coal and Steel CommunityCommunity

The idea of uniting markets in order to build up The idea of uniting markets in order to build up economies was a popular oneeconomies was a popular one

The Treaties of Rome -1957 – France, West The Treaties of Rome -1957 – France, West Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Germany, Italy, Belgium, the Netherlands, and Luxembourg created the European Economic Luxembourg created the European Economic Community or COMMON MARKETCommunity or COMMON MARKET

Over the years, other nations joined – Over the years, other nations joined – such as the United Kingdom.such as the United Kingdom.

Eventually, the organization took on Eventually, the organization took on a political aim and was reorganized a political aim and was reorganized as the EUROPEAN UNION – headed in as the EUROPEAN UNION – headed in Brussels, Belgium.Brussels, Belgium.

Most of the EU members now use a Most of the EU members now use a united currency known as the EURO.united currency known as the EURO.