The Autumn of Nations

Definition

The Revolutions of 1989 were the revolutions which

overthrew the communist states in various Central and Eastern European countries. All activities connected with

years 1989 – 1991 caused that communism was moved

out from govern.

Background

The beginning of movement is connected with 80's when Solidarity appeared in Poland, with

opposition and first tries of reforms.

Poland – the most

important dates

1980 a wave of strikes of workers who demanded founding of independent unions

and labour union Solidarność

On 13th 1981 communistic

power with Gen. Jaruzelski put into

martial law to stop social

disorder.

1982 – 1989 - between these years social resistance in Poland increased very much. Communistic power was

lower and lower and among members of PZPR we could observe influence of liberal opinions.

6th February - 5th April “Round Table” meetings in which took part both communistic power

and members of opposition. During these meetings important decisions were taken which started the process of democracy.

4th June 1989 Elections – the representatives of Solidarity got in Parliament.

24th August 1989 Tadeusz Mazowiecki's government was established – first non-communistic government in countries called People's

Republic.22nd December 1990 Lech Wałęsa – the leader of Solidarity became

the President of Poland.

All changes appeared in Poland became the signal for changes in other communistic

countries from central and east Europe like: Hungary, Czechoslovakia, NRD, Romania,

Albania.

Destroying the Berlin Wall became a symbol of overthrowing communism in central and east

Europe.

The Autumn of Nations influented on break of Yugoslavia where were bloody fights

on etnic background.

ZSRR fell in 1991.

But the empire broke down much earlier.

Lituania was the first country which stepped out of soviet union and then Lotwa, Estonia and many others did the same.

Thanks to the Autumn of Nations the Warsaw Pact was eliminated and conflict

between East and West was finished. The Russian Army was pulled out from

former communistic countries. It influented on safety in Europe and all over the world. In central and east Europe people started

to build new, democratic order.

Meaning

Authors:

Paulina Czamara

Judyta Szpunar

Justyna Parys