1979 to 1990

Definition

The period from 1979 to 1990 marks a transformative era in global politics characterized by the decline of the Cold War, the rise of political movements, and significant changes in international relations. This era saw key events such as the Iranian Revolution, the fall of the Berlin Wall, and the eventual dissolution of the Soviet Union, which collectively reshaped political landscapes and power dynamics in Europe and beyond.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Iranian Revolution in 1979 led to the establishment of an Islamic Republic and marked a significant shift in Middle Eastern politics, resulting in increased tensions with Western countries.
2. The decade witnessed a series of reforms in Eastern Europe, notably Poland's Solidarity movement, which challenged Soviet authority and inspired other nations to seek democratic change.
3. Mikhail Gorbachev's introduction of Glasnost (openness) and Perestroika (restructuring) initiated profound changes in Soviet society and governance during the mid to late 1980s.
4. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was not just a pivotal moment for Germany but also symbolized the end of communist control in Eastern Europe, leading to widespread democratic movements.
5. By 1990, the dissolution of the Soviet Union was on the horizon as republics declared independence, marking a significant shift in global power structures and ending decades of Cold War tensions.

Review Questions

• How did the events between 1979 and 1990 contribute to the decline of communist power in Eastern Europe?
  • The events between 1979 and 1990 played a crucial role in diminishing communist power through a series of uprisings and reform movements. The Iranian Revolution in 1979 inspired other nations to challenge authoritarian regimes. Additionally, Poland's Solidarity movement gained momentum, leading to increased demands for democracy across Eastern Europe. As Gorbachev introduced reforms like Glasnost and Perestroika, these ideas spread, encouraging further dissent against communist governments.
• Discuss how Mikhail Gorbachev's policies affected Soviet relations with Eastern European countries during this period.
  • Gorbachev's policies had a profound impact on Soviet relations with Eastern European countries. His approach of Glasnost encouraged greater openness and dialogue, while Perestroika aimed at restructuring the economy and political system. This shift diminished Soviet control over satellite states, leading to increased nationalist movements. As Gorbachev refrained from using military force to suppress these uprisings, such as during Poland's Solidarity movement and Hungary's reforms, it ultimately facilitated a wave of democratic changes across Eastern Europe.
• Evaluate the significance of the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 within the broader context of global politics leading to 1990.
  • The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 was highly significant as it symbolized not only the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe but also marked a pivotal turning point in global politics. This event signified a break from decades of division rooted in Cold War ideologies. It galvanized democratic movements throughout Eastern Europe, leading to a series of peaceful revolutions that contributed to the end of Soviet influence. By paving the way for German reunification and altering geopolitical alignments, it set in motion events that would culminate in the dissolution of the Soviet Union by 1991.

Related terms

Cold War: A prolonged period of geopolitical tension between the Soviet Union and the United States, along with their respective allies, which influenced global politics from the end of World War II until the early 1990s.

Perestroika: A political movement initiated by Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s aimed at reforming the Soviet political and economic system, which ultimately contributed to the end of the Cold War.

Fall of the Berlin Wall: The event on November 9, 1989, when the Berlin Wall was breached, symbolizing the collapse of communist regimes in Eastern Europe and paving the way for German reunification.