1. Gorbachev Moves Toward Democracy

2. Objective:
Students will examine and summarize the rise of Gorbachev and the change that the Soviet people searched for as measured through their Cornell notes.

3. Setting the Stage
1960s
Soviet Union extended its power over much of Eastern Europe
Politburo- the ruling committee of the Communist Party, which crushed all political disagreement
Lead by Leonid Brezhnev (died in 1982)

4. A new leader Mikhail Gorbachev
Supporters praised his energy, and political skills (age 54)
Past soviet leaders created a totalitarian state
Gorbachev wanted to change all that

5. Glasnost
Glasnost- “openness,” encouraged Soviet citizens to discuss ways to improve their society
Brought remarkable changes
Reporters were able to criticize and gov. changed dramatically

6. Perestroika Perestroika- economic restructuring
1986- Soviet economy was failing and needed to be revived
Gorbachev allowed local managers to run small private businesses
Did not want to throw out communism, but to make it more efficient and productive

7. JTPS
How was Mikhail Gorbachev a different leader compared to the Soviet leaders of the past? What made him appealing to the people? Explain.

8. Democratization Opens Political System
In the past, Communist party would choose candidates
Now voters could choose from a pool of candidates
Allowed lesser known candidates to beat out big political bosses

9. JTPS
What direction was the Soviet Union moving towards in terms of its political system?

10. Communism falls in East Germany
Many citizens living in east Germany began to leave the country
Erich Honecker (political boss) – closed off the Berlin wall
Citizens were outraged and began to protest
Demanded the right to travel freely

11. Fall of the Berlin Wall
Egon Krenz (new political boss)- took a gamble and allowed people to leave East Germany
His dramatic gamble to save communism did not work
People flocked to leave east Germany
“The wall is gone” “The wall is gone!”

13. Germany is Reunified
With the fall of communism in east Germany, many Germans wanted to reunify their country
Many feared that Germany may once again try to dominate Europe
West German Chancellor Helmut Kohl assured that they are committed to democracy
Reunited on Oct. 3, 1990

14. JTPS
What was the situation in Germany? How was it eventually reunified? Explain.