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.