The fall of the Berlin Wall
I can explain the events that led to the end of Soviet control of Eastern Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
The fall of the Berlin Wall
I can explain the events that led to the end of Soviet control of Eastern Europe and the fall of the Berlin Wall.
Lesson details
Key learning points
- Under Gorbachev, the USSR gave its satellite states in Eastern Europe the freedom to choose how they were governed.
- Between 1989 and 1991, the USSR lost control of its Eastern European satellite states.
- In East Germany, there were widespread popular protests demanding democracy and the destruction of the Berlin Wall.
- On the 9th November 1989, the East German government were forced to open the border with West Germany.
- On 9th November 1989, people from East Berlin and West Berlin crossed the border and began to destroy the Berlin Wall.
Common misconception
Gorbachev's reforms were intended to bring an end to communism and end Soviet control over Eastern Europe.
Gorbachev intended his reforms to strengthen communism both within the Soviet Union and its satellite states in Eastern Europe, however, once reform started in Eastern Europe, Gorbachev was unable to contain it.
Keywords
Doctrine - a set of beliefs or principles
Satellite state - a country that is dominated by another country
Reform - a change introduced to improve something, often a system or law
Reunification - bringing things or people back together after they have been separated
Content guidance
- Depiction or discussion of violence or suffering
Supervision
Adult supervision recommended
Licence
This content is © Oak National Academy Limited (2024), licensed on Open Government Licence version 3.0 except where otherwise stated. See Oak's terms & conditions (Collection 2).
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