The Collapse of Communism

Front

What major event occurred between 1989 and 1991 in Europe?

Back

The Cold War ended and Communism disappeared from Europe.

Front

Who was Mikhail Gorbachev?

Back

He was the Soviet leader who helped bring an end to Communism in the Soviet Union.

Front

What was Perestroika?

Back

A program initiated by Gorbachev to change the Soviet economy from a communist/command economy to a market/capitalist/free enterprise economy.

Front

What was Glasnost?

Back

A program initiated by Gorbachev that allowed freedom of speech within the Soviet Union, marking a major step towards democracy.

Front

Who was Boris Yeltsin?

Back

He was the first democratically elected president in the history of Russia.

Front

How was Germany divided during the Cold War?

Back

Germany was divided into West Germany (a democratic country) and East Germany (a communist country controlled by the Soviet Union).

Front

What significant event happened in Germany in 1989?

Back

The Berlin Wall, the symbol of the Cold War, was torn down, symbolizing the end of the Cold War and the end of Communism.

Front

What happened to Germany in 1990?

Back

West Germany and East Germany were reunited to form one democratic country.