The Czech and Slovak Republics, and Hungary Chapter 19 Section 2

Czech, Slovak, andHungary After fall of Communism in the late 1980s, they revert back to their historical links to the West. Each use different approaches to address problems.

Czechoslovakia Czech + Slovak(ia) Republics

Czech Republic Landscape dominated by plateaus and mountains, and high ridges define its boundaries. Economy – industry based Recognized as independent in 1993

Path to Nationhood Hitler used the fact that many Germans lived in NW Czechoslovakia as an excuse to invade it in 1930s. Under communist control from 1948 to 1989. Velvet Revolution – bloodless revolution after fall of communism

Economic Systems Privatization – process of selling government-owned industries and businesses to private owners, runs more efficient.

Two Regions Bohemia – Western region Moravia – Eastern region Mines and Industry Pollution is biggest problem

Slovakia Mixed economy of industry and farming Majority of population lives between Carpathian Mountains and Danube River.

Farms Collective Farms – set up in 1948 by communists, workers were paid by the government and they shared the profits from their products.

Factories Not important until communist rule after World War II. Higher wages brought migrants into cities. Factories were refitted to non-war related goods.

Hungary 90% of population are descended from Magyars. Country divided into two parts by Danube River.

Eastern half – broad plain known as the Great Alfold. “Breadbasket” of Europe – fertile soil. Western half – hilly region Large deposits of natural resources.

Free Enterprise Old, inefficient industries struggle and failed. High unemployment, government was deep in debt, and people were getting poorer. Privatization – steady economic growth, lower unemployment, and foreign investment.

The Balkan Peninsula Chapter 19 Section 3

Balkanize – to break up into small, mutually hostile political units. After fall of Communism, war has been more prominent than peace.

Romania Broad plains and fertile soils along the Danube River. Mineral deposits in the north. Terrible economy predicted for decades to come.

Interesting fact An American soft drink maker spent $150 million in Romania to build up its operations there. The investment helped about 25,000 small shops start or stay in business, selling soft drinks.

Entrepreneurs – individuals who start and build a business Multiplier effect – eleven ner jobs have been added to Romania’s economy for each job that the soft drink company added.

Bulgaria Fertile soils from the Danube and plains south of the Balkan Mountains. Garden of Eastern Europe – warm summers and winters along the Black Sea are mild.

Bulgarians are Slavic people, like the Russians Bulgarians are Slavic people, like the Russians. Therefore welcoming the Soviets after World War II. Economy failed after fall of Soviet Union, freedom, but quickly retaliated. Tourism along Black Sea

Albania Mountainous region $100/month wages Foreign companies built factories to take advantage of low wages.

Other Balkan Nations Conflicts flared with and between the new nations. Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1995 NATO enforced treaty divided Bosnia along ethnic lines.

Serbia and Montenegro Former Yugoslavia until 2003. Mountains in Montenegro and fertile plains in the Danube valley in Serbia. Low GDP, high unemployment (30% in 2002)

Crotatia ¾ are ethnic Croats, descended from the same early Slavs as the Serbs.

Slovenia Early western ties, allowing industrial development earlier than other nations in Balkan Peninsula. Industry allows a higher standard of living.

Bosnia and Herzegovina Former Yugoslav Republic. Long-standing hostilities between different groups. 1995 peace treaty divided into two roughly equal parts: one controlled by Bosniaks and Croaks and the other by Bosnian Serbs.

Macedonia Poorest of the Yugoslav nations.

Baltic States and Border Nations Chapter 19 Section 4