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The End of the Cold War
Quick questions on The collapse of communism in Eastern Europe explained: N(A)-Level History
3short Q&A pairs drawn directly from our worked dot-point answer. For full context and worked exam questions, read the parent dot-point page.
What is discontent under communist rule?Show answer
For many years the people of Eastern Europe had lived under communist governments that were controlled or backed by the Soviet Union. Many people deeply resented this. They had little freedom: they could not freely criticise the government, travel where they wished, or choose their leaders in free elections. Living standards were often poor, with shortages of goods and a lower quality of life than in the West, which people could increasingly see and compare.
What is gorbachev removes the threat?Show answer
The crucial change came from Gorbachev. As part of his new thinking, he decided that the Soviet Union would no longer use force to keep the communist governments of Eastern Europe in power. He let it be known that the peoples of these countries were free to choose their own paths. This removed the one thing that had held communism in place: the fear of Soviet tanks.
What are only describing events?Show answer
Explain why communism collapsed, discontent plus the removal of Soviet force, and why it brought the Cold War toward its end.
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