Conflict and Change in Europe to the 21st century.
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Modern Europe Conflict and Change in Europe to the 21st century
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Transcript of Conflict and Change in Europe to the 21st century.
Modern EuropeConflict and Change in Europe to the 21st century
The Cold War
Rise of SuperpowersUnited States vs. Soviet Union
Emerged as 2 “superpowers” – had the military and political strength to influence worldwide events.
Distrust started between the USA and USSRUSA didn’t like the USSR expanding its bordersBoth had different beliefs and political systemsBoth stockpiled weapons in case of war – nuclear arms race
Distrust grew into a state of tension called the Cold War – because it never involved any fighting.
Involved competition in science – Space RaceRace to launch satellites and land on the moonSputnik
Developed growing alliances
The “Iron Curtain” Falls on EuropeIron Curtain
A political boundary
Fun Fact . . . Iron Curtain was a term used in the German theater to separate the stage from the audience in case of a fire!
People in countries controlled by the Soviet Union COULD NOT LEAVE!
Armed guards watched over the borders.
Winston Churchill (British PM) said in 1946 that an “Iron Curtain” had fallen across Europe.
Dividing line between Eastern and Western Europe.
Berlin Wall became the symbol of the “Iron Curtain”
What was the Berlin Wall?The Berlin Wall
At the end of WWII, Germany was divided into 4 zones
Berlin was the capital of Germany (located in the Soviet section) and was divided into 4 zones as well
West Berlin = sections controlled by USA, France and Great Britain – surrounded by East GermanyEast Berlin = represented the Soviet controlled sector of the city
Many people wanted to flee (defect) from Communist East Germany
Border between East and West Germany was closedMany defectors went through the open border between East and West Berlin
Berlin Wall was the response to stop defectors
1st Berlin Wall was built out of cinder blocks and barb wire around the 3 western sectors of the city
Soon replaced by a concrete wall that isolated West Berlin
Many people were killed when they tried to cross the border
President Reagan visited Germany in 1987 – speech at Brandenburg Gate
Summarizing Activity – Write it DownAfter WWII, many East Germans moved to West Germany for better jobs and living conditions. To stop this outflow of people, East Germany built a wall.
The Berlin Wall was first constructed in the dark, early morning hours of August 13, 1961. The people of Berlin woke up to find a barbed wire fence (later made of concrete) separating the city!!! Armed guards patrolled the wall. Families and friends were separated.
Write about how you would feel if you lived in East Berlin and could not leave. (minimum of 4-6 sentences)
Collapse of USSR – Reunification of Germany – End of the Cold War
Soviet Union experienced economic issues – 1980’s
Large ExpensesWeapons buildupSpace raceSupporting countries in Eastern Europe
Poor economy – can’t compete in world economy
Government planning left many communist countries with barely enough food and goods to meet their citizens’ needs.
1985 - Mikhail Gorbachev became Soviet leader
Popular with people
He wanted and talked about social change and economic reforms
“perestroika” = restructuring“glasnost” = openness
What were these changes?Limited amount of alcohol Soviets drank by increasing the prices and the sales
Alcoholism was a big problem at that time
Decreased military spending to ease international tensions.
Economies in Eastern Europe didn’t improve . . . Protests grew among the people
1989 – Gorbachev said the Soviet government would no longer help suppress the protestors
They didn’t want their governments to be overthrown.
Poland and Czechoslovakia began to break away from Soviet rule
Reunification of Germany in 1990 was a prime exampleBerlin Wall remained until 1989
Demonstrations prompted the government to remove border crossing restrictionsEast Germans were so overjoyed, they began to tear the wall down.
Removal of the wall signified that European countries could work together towards democracyPart of the wall remains today as a memorial
Benefits of German reunificationToday, the German people can travel freely throughout GermanyReunites generations of families divided by the wallCombined the economic and political power of East and West Germany – put aside their differences and work towards democracy
1990Economic conditions are still poor in USSR
Gorbachev is losing popularity with the people
Regional governments no longer feel the need to comply with the communist party and refuse to pay taxes
Lithuania declares their independence from the USSR
1st McDonald’s opens in Russia
1991Economic and social collapse
Communist party and democratic ideals conflict peaks
Gorbachev wants to give the republics their freedoms
December 8 – Ukraine, Belarus and Russia agreed to break away from the USSR and form the Commonwealth of Independent States
Late December – Gorbachev resigned as President of USSR = Communism collapsed
Unable to compete with the economic and political appeal of the West
The Cold War is over!!!
Soviet Union came to an end . . . .
Divided into 15 individual republics . . .
Summarizing Activity – True or FalseThe Soviet command economy was a strong, growing economy.
Gorbachev increased military spending and continued Cold War policies.
The city of Berlin was divided after WWII.
Germany has never been reunited into one country.
The Soviet Union split into 15 republics.
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