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VI. The Crumbling Wall

VI. The Crumbling Wall. A. Probs in Eastern Euro (1980s). Failing economies No objection from USSR; Reforms. B. Anti-gvmt Movement in Poland. 1978 Karol Wajtyla was selected pope (Pope John Paul II) Anti-communist Inspired Polish Catholics.

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VI. The Crumbling Wall

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  1. VI. The Crumbling Wall

  2. A. Probs in Eastern Euro (1980s) • Failing economies • No objection from USSR; Reforms

  3. B. Anti-gvmt Movement in Poland • 1978 Karol Wajtyla was selected pope (Pope John Paul II) • Anti-communist • Inspired Polish Catholics

  4. 1980 Solidarity formed – a trade union formed at Gdansk • Founder = Lech Walesa • Demands: • Better living, working conditions • Free elections • Voice in gvmt • Tactics: strikes, anti-state activities • 16 months • Gvmt response: outlawed the union, jailed leaders • Significance: inspiring, Walesa became symbol of freedom, reform movements spread

  5. Reagan’s “Tear Down This Wall” Speech

  6. C. 1989: Turning Point • Unrest with Communism hit peak • Reduced production • Decrease in labor productivity • Increase in inflation • Trade deficits • Widespread food shortages • Soviet Policies change • Jan 1989 – cut back 500,000 troops in Soviet army • March 1989 pledged not to interfere in Democratic reforms in Hungary • Gorbachev let communist gvmts collapse and hoped to then establish friendly relations

  7. The Collapse of Communism • By 1989 major probs in Satellites • Ruined economies • Terrible environmental damage • Ethnic conflicts • Communist Regimes collapsed in 1989

  8. D. Collapse of the Berlin Wall • June 1989 “Hole in the Iron Curtain” – Hungary opened its borders • Nov 1989 Moderate communist gvmt lifted travel restrictions b/wn East and West • Nov 9, 1989 the Brandenburg Gate opened • East Germans poured through • Nov 10 peoplefrom both sides tore it down

  9. Berlin Wall Video

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