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Gorbachev Introduces Glasnost
Glasnost was a Soviet policy of openness implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. The policy was intended to decrease the amount of public censorship and began to encourage a sense of freedom of speech. -
Gorbachev introduces Perestroika
Perestroika was a Soviet reform movement implemented by Mikhail Gorbachev in 1985. Perestroika means "restructuring" and was an attempt to introduce some free market economy ideals to the socialist state. -
Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces (INF) Treaty Signed
The INF treaty signed in 1987 by Soviet leader, Mikhail Gorbachev, and U.S President Ronald Reagan. The treaty was an agreement between the two nations to terminate the use of such weapons in intermediate territory, which was defined as 500-5,500 kilometers. -
Jozsef Antall Elected Prime Minister of Hungary
Jozsef Antall was the first democratically elected President of Hungary following the end of communist expansion. He was also the leader of the Hungarian Democratic forum between 1989 and 1993. -
Berlin Wall Falls
The fall of the Berlin wall was a sign to many that the spread of communism was coming to an end. When the Berlin Wall fell, the people of East and West Germany were reunited for the first time in almost three decades. This was proof that the Soviets were losing the strength to continue fighting against democratic nations. -
Vaclav Havel elected president of Czechoslovakia
On December 29th, 1989, Vaclav Havel was elected presdient of Czechoslovakia. He was elected unanimously by a federal assembly, despite expressing have no interest in such a political office. -
1st general elections in Romania
The general elections of 1990 occurred about six months after the fall of communism in the country. It was the first public presidential election in Romanian History, and the first general elections since 1937. -
Germany reunification takes place
Shortly after the fall of the Berlin wall, it was determined by East German leaders that, after decades of separation, East and West Germany should be reunified. This even further symbolized the fall of communist power and influence.
