Eastern Europe Conflicts and Changes

Questions and Answers

What was the 'Velvet Divorce'?

Czechoslovakia's split into two countries (correct)

The rift between Czechoslovakia and Poland

The end of communism in Czechoslovakia

The first phase of the Velvet Revolution

When Hungary opened its borders, it created a 'hole' in the ____.

iron curtain

What is the most likely reason the republics of Yugoslavia held together until the fall of communism?

Citizens were united by their belief in communism.

All six republics shared strong historic bonds.

Dictator Josep Tito was a very powerful leader. (correct)

The constitution forbade the republics to separate.

If Serbia had used the term 'murder' rather than 'ethnic cleansing' to describe its actions against Muslims, it is likely that they would have:

Proceeded in exactly the same way. Signup and view all the answers

Look at this chart showing ethnic groups in Yugoslavia. If ethnic groups had been more equal in size, the most likely result would be that:

Serbs would not have tried to eliminate other groups. Signup and view all the answers

What was the Berlin Wall?

A wall that separated East and West Berlin. Signup and view all the answers

What happened in Poland in 1989?

Lech Walesa became the first freely elected president. Signup and view all the answers

After the fall of communism, the Yugoslavian republics began to:

Break away. Signup and view all the answers

Why is Zina Hasanovic referred to as 'one of the lucky ones'?

Most people never learned the fate of their loved ones. Signup and view all the answers

The first step in the reunification of East and West Germany was uniting their:

Economies. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Velvet Divorce

Czechoslovakia peacefully split into two independent countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia, in 1993, known as the "Velvet Divorce."

Iron Curtain and Hungary

Hungary's decision to open its borders in 1989 resulted in a significant breach of the "iron curtain," allowing East Germans to escape to the West.

Stability of Yugoslavia

The key factor maintaining unity in Yugoslavia until communism's end was the powerful leadership of dictator Josep Tito, who effectively suppressed ethnic divisions.

Ethnic Cleansing Terminology

If Serbia had labeled its actions against Muslims as "murder" instead of "ethnic cleansing," the likely outcome would have been unchanged in terms of their approach.

Ethnic Group Dynamics in Yugoslavia

If ethnic groups in Yugoslavia had been more evenly distributed in size, it is probable that the Serbs would not have attempted to eliminate other ethnic groups.

Berlin Wall

The Berlin Wall served as a physical barrier separating East Berlin from West Berlin, symbolizing the division between the communist and non-communist worlds.

Poland 1989 Elections

In 1989, Lech Walesa emerged as the first freely elected president of Poland, highlighting the country's shift from communist rule.

Fragmentation of Yugoslavia

Following the collapse of communism, the Yugoslavian republics began to break away and pursue independence from the federation.

Srebrenica Reference

Zina Hasanovic is considered "one of the lucky ones" because she learned the fate of her husband, unlike many who never found out what happened to their loved ones during the conflict.

Reunification of Germany

The initial step in the reunification process of East and West Germany involved aligning their economies, which laid the groundwork for political and social integration.

Description

This quiz covers significant historical events in Eastern Europe, including the Velvet Divorce of Czechoslovakia, the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the dynamics of ethnic conflicts in Yugoslavia. Test your knowledge on how these events shaped the current geopolitical landscape of the region.