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End of Communism in Hungary
In Hungary the pressure for reform came from within the Communist Party, and in 1988 Kadar, the hard-line leader who had been in office since 1956, was sacked. The government, now dominated by reformers, decided to allow other political parties to contest elections. The decision of the Hungarian government to open its borders to the West in September 1989 was to seriously undermine East Germany. Thousands of East Germans on holiday in Hungary were now free to travel to the West. -
End of Communism in East Germany
The end of the Brezhnev Doctrine was of concern to EG regime. As EG was superficial country, more reliant on Soviet support than other regimes of region. Gorbachev visited E Berlin in Oct 1989 became focus of E Gers who wanted reform. Erich Honecker, refused reform, led to removal from EG Politburo. Pressure for reform became unstoppable. Chinese govt had responded by using force. Egon Krenz refused to sanction repression. Opened access to Berlin wall. 9 Nov Wall dismantled by 'People Power'
