Significant Events in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe

Gorbachev introduces glasnost

Jan 1, 1985

Meaning ''openness'' in Russian. Glasnost was a plan set out by Gorbachev in 1985 that would restrict the amount of censors and give people a greater freedom of expression.

Gorbachev introduces perestroika

May 1, 1985

Meaning ''restructuring'' in Russian. Perestroika was a political movement to reform the communist party in Russia, in reply to Gorbachev's Glasnost.

INF Treaty Signed

Dec 1, 1987

This treaty was signed between the U.S and Russia in 1987. It was used to eliminate the use of nuclear and conventional missiles with an intermediate range from being used.

Jozsef Antall elected prime minister of Hungary

May 23, 1990

Jozsef was the first democratically elected prime minister of Hungary after its communist reign ended.

Berlin Wall Falls

Jun 13, 1990

After 3 decades of standing, the Berlin Wall had been decommissioned and began to be taken down. The moment it was announced to be destroyed, hundreds of Germans fled to it with hammers and picks to destroy it themselves.

Germany reunification takes place

Oct 3, 1990

The Berlin Wall had left East and West Germany separated for many years. in 1990 however the Wall was taken down, and Germany could once again be united.

1st general elections in Romania

Nov 25, 1990

In 1990, Romania held its first general election. This was a large event for the Nation as they had only recently gained their independence from Russia

Lech Walesa elected president of Poland

Dec 22, 1990

Now a retired polish politician in general, Lech used to be the President of Poland. He also won a Noble Peace Prize.

Vaclav Havel elected president of Czechoslovakia

Feb 2, 1993

Vaclav was the first Czech-Republic president after the Czech-Slovak split. He also served as the 10th president of Czechoslovakia.