Collapse of Communism Flashcards

Velvet Divorce

• Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two independent countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.
• This event is termed the "Velvet Divorce," symbolizing the non-violent nature of the separation.

Iron Curtain

• Hungary's decision to open its borders contributed to weakening the "Iron Curtain," which separated Eastern and Western Europe during the Cold War.

Yugoslavia and Dictator Tito

• Josep Tito served as a strong and unifying leader for Yugoslavia, maintaining the republics' cohesion until communism's decline.
• His authoritative rule helped suppress nationalistic tensions among the different ethnic groups.

Ethnic Cleansing in Serbia

• The language used by Serbia, such as "ethnic cleansing," framed their actions, potentially affecting public support and international perception.
• Had Serbia employed the term "murder," it may have changed civilian backing for their agenda.

Ethnic Group Dynamics

• If ethnic groups in Yugoslavia had more equal sizes, unification might have been stronger, reducing the propensity for ethnic cleansing and violence among groups.

Berlin Wall

• The Berlin Wall symbolized the division between East and West Berlin, representing broader ideological divides during the Cold War.
• It stood as a barrier limiting movement and communication between the two sides until its fall in 1989.

Poland in 1989

• The year marked significant political change with Lech Walesa becoming the first freely elected president, showcasing a shift towards democracy.
• Many candidates from the Solidarity movement succeeded, solidifying workers' rights and anti-communist sentiments.

Breakup of Yugoslavia

• Following the collapse of communism, the republics of Yugoslavia sought independence and began to break away from the federation, leading to civil strife.

Srebrenica Events

• Zina Hasanovic is identified as "one of the lucky ones" because she learned about her husband's fate amidst widespread uncertainty regarding the fates of many during the conflict.
• The massacre left many families unable to comprehend the loss of their loved ones, highlighting the tragedy of the civil war.

Reunification of Germany

• The reunification process between East and West Germany initially focused on harmonizing their economies, laying the groundwork for political integration.
• Both parts of Germany faced the challenge of aligning their diverse economic systems post-communism.

Test your knowledge on key concepts and events related to the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. This quiz includes terms like the Velvet Divorce and the Iron Curtain. Perfect for students of history looking to reinforce their understanding of this pivotal epoch.