1. Struggle for Democracy in Eastern Europe
How does Communism end in Eastern Europe?

2. I. Poland
A. 1980: Polish shipyard workers led by Lech Walesa go on strike, demand communist gov’t recognize their union “Solidarity”
B. 1985: Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev announces glasnost & perestroika (more openness and freedom)
C. 1987: Polish Economy worsens, walkouts, strikes & rioting occur  Polish gov’t will allow elections
D. 1989: Communists voted out – Lech Walesa becomes President
Hungary
1989: Inspired by glasnost & Poland, Hungary’s leaders call for elections
Radicals take over Hungarian Communist Party & vote to dissolve party
1990: First national elections held, communists no longer control gov’t

3. II. Germany
A. E. German leader Erik Honecker says no reforms needed!
B. 1989: Many E. Germans flee into Hungary
1. Honecker requires VISAs to leave– major protests begin
C. Nov ‘89: Hoping to stop protests, E. German govt allows people to travel between East & West Berlin – thousands leave for the west
D.1990: E. German communists lose power, two Germanys reunified
III. Czechoslovakia, 1989
A. Czech writer Václav Havel calls for democracy and is arrested
B. Students protest (11/17), Czech govt resigns, Havel elected President
C. New economic policy creates unemployment, esp in Slovakia
D. ‘89 Velvet Revolution: Czechs and Slovaks agree to split country

4. IV. Romania
A. Communist leader Nicolae Çeausescu uses his secret police to end reform movements
1. Thousands protest in Timisoara, Ceausescu orders army to open fire on protestors
B. Major uprising occurs, Çeausescu tries to flee but is caught, tried and executed
C. Communist party is banned in
Romania

5. W. German Embassy in Prague, Czech Republic

6. Spot where President Reagan told Gorbachev to “Tear down this wall!”