1. Fall of the Soviet Union

2. Origins of Decline East Berlin riots in 1953 Unsuccessful Hungarian revolution in 1956 Poor relations with China Cuban Missile Crisis embarrassment

3. Mikhail Gorbachev Shifting towards democracy Reform minded Perestroika – economic, political, and social restructuring Glasnost – openness in public discussion Stressed diplomacy over force

4. UNREST IN THE SOVIET REPUBLICS

5. “Tear Down This Wall”

6. Berlin, 1989 East German government announced that all citizens could visit West Germany and West Berlin Physical wall was removed by the end of 1990 German reunification in October 1990

7. Pope John Paul II First non-Italian Pope since 16 th century Promoted democratic values Spoke openly about human rights and the right to freedom of expression in 1979 visit Massive social gathering had occurred without the presence of police or the state’s security forces

8. Poland Solidarity Movement, 1980-1989 Social movement using civil resistance Lech Walesa, a factory electrician, organized a free trade union Solidarność

9. Solidarity Movement first legal free trade union in communist Central and Eastern Europe free elections in 1989

10. The Velvet Revolution Czechoslovakia in 1989 Peaceful student protest interrupted by riot police Days later, 500,00 peaceful protesters assembled Communist government relinquished power Barbed wire fences along West Germany and Austria removed

11. Baltic Unrest Estonia demands autonomy in 1987 Army sent to suppress rebellion in Lithuania in 1989 Rising nationalism Gorbachev criticized heavily for response

12. Jeltoqsan Uprising 1986 unrest in Kazakhstan Gorbachev removes popular government official to consolidate power Popular protests turn violent KGB reports 168 civilians killed

13. COLLAPSE OF THE SOVIET UNION 1991

14. From U.S.S.R. to Russia Failed coup attempt by hardline Communists in 1991 Gorbachev resigned, Soviet Union dissolved Communist Party ended Latvia and Estonia immediately declare independence