Eastern Europe and Russia Chapter 6, Section 2, Part 2 of 2

War in the Balkan Peninsula Since the 1980s, much of Eastern Europe has been a place of turmoil and struggle. Yugoslavia has had terrible wars, extreme hardships, and experienced great change.

War in the Balkans—Under Tito After World War II, Marshal Tito became dictator of Yugoslavia. Tito controlled all of the country’s ethnic groups: Serbs Croats Muslims He was dictator until he died in 1980. His death created political turmoil.

War in the Balkans—Under Milosevic Slobodan Milosevic became president in 1989. He wanted the Serbs to rule Yugoslavia. The Serbs in Bosnia fought the Croats and Muslims. The Bosnian Serbs murdered many Muslims so that they could be the majority. The Serbs called the killing of minority groups ethnic cleansing. NATO eventually attacked the Bosnian Serbs and ended the war.

War in the Balkans—Timeline 1995—the Serbs, Croats, and Muslims of Bosnia signed a peace treaty. 1999—Milosevic used ethnic cleansing against the Albanians in Kosovo—a region of Serbia. 1999—NATO started a war in Yugoslavia that ended with the defeat of the Serbs. 2000—Public protests led to Milosevic’s removal, and the United Nations: Arrested him. Tried him for war crimes.

Modern Russia Life has improved since the breakup of the Soviet Union. Citizens elect their own leaders and have freedom of speech. New businesses have emerged. Some Russians are wealthy!

Modern Russia However, Russia still has problems! Many leaders are dishonest. Economic reform has been slow. Most of the wealth went to a small minority, and most Russians are still poor. Crime has increased tremendously. The government fought a war against Chechnya—a region that wants to be independent.

Modern Russia— An Exchange Student’s Experience

Russian Culture With the fall of communism, Russians could practice their cultural practices freely. They now have the freedom to: Practice the religion of their choice. Buy and read Russian literature that was previously banned. Artistically express themselves through drawing and writing. Publish magazines and newspapers of their choice. Speak freely about the former Soviet Union.

Russian Culture

Russian Government Government is now democratic. President is elected by the people. People elect the Duma—or the legislature. Since democracy is new, citizens are working to reduce corruption and ensure everyone is treated fairly. Under the Soviets, Russians had to do what they were told, so democracy is new to them!

Resources and Industry

Resources and Industry Is one of the world’s largest producers of oil. Has some of the largest forests in the world that produce: Lumber Paper Other wood products Factories make steel from iron ore, which produces large machines. Because the country has access to both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, the fishing industry is very important.

Economics Russia is moving towards a free-market economy. Citizens can own land, and foreign countries can do business in Russia. People have more opportunities; however, it has created problems. Prices are no longer controlled by the government, which allows companies to make a profit. Wages haven’t risen as fast as prices. Many people cannot afford new products.

Economics (Cont’d) Some Russians have done well. Citizens with less education and less access to power are struggling. Most new businesses and jobs are in cities, and people in small towns have fewer opportunities.

Questions?