Government

Activity: Simulating the Velvet Revolution

This case study simulates the process of the extraordinarily quick (and often peaceful) overthrow of various communist regimes is Eastern Europe in 1989. The simulation provides a powerful experiential study of how dissent can quickly cascade through a group, leading to fast, dramatic change.

Long Teaching Module: Solidarity Comes to Power in Poland, 1989

In retrospect, it seems predictable that the first opposition group in the Soviet bloc to succeed in unseating a communist regime would be Poland’s Solidarity movement.

Mexico: From Empire to Revolution

Long Teaching Module: Economies in Transition in Eastern Europe, 1970-1990

It is well known that the East European Communist governments were unable to provide their citizens with a standard of living comparable to that of the West.

Warsaw Embassy Cable, Bronislaw Geremek Explains Next Steps Toward a Solidarity Government

Following the historic semi-free elections in Poland in June 1989, which resulted in a near total defeat of the Communist regime, Polish Communist and Solidarity leaders engaged in ongoing and significant negotiations in the hope of establishing stability in Poland.

Czechoslovak Secret Police Memorandum, "Information Regarding the Situation in the CSSR"

As a result of the intensifying public demonstrations in the first half of 1989, the Czechoslovak Communist Party increased its surveillance and suppression of independent and opposition groups, particularly in anticipation of politically-charged anniversaries.

Czechoslovak Secret Police Memorandum, "Information on the Security Situation . . "

This Secret Police (StB) memorandum from 21 August details the plans of independent and opposition groups to commemorate the politically-sensitive anniversary of the 1968 Warsaw Pact invasion, and the police's "extraordinary security measures" to prevent the commemorations from taking place.

U.S. Reaction to a New Prime Minister in Poland

In early June 1989, Poland held its first semi-free elections since the inception of Communist Party rule in the post-World War II era. The elections resulted in a solid defeat of Communism and a sound victory for the Solidarity opposition.

Transcript of the SED Politburo Session held on 5 September 1989 East Germany

Hungary began dismantling the barbed wire along its border with Austria in May, 1989. Over the summer months, thousands of East Germans risked their lives crossing over the Hungarian-Austrian border before heading north to West Germany.

Letter from GDR Ambassador to Hungary, Gerd Vehres, to Foreign Minister Osker Fischer

Hungary began dismantling the barbed wire along its border with Austria in May, 1989. Over the summer months, thousands of East Germans risked their lives crossing over the Hungarian-Austrian border before heading north to West Germany.