Consolidation and analysis
In a single year — 1989 — communism collapsed across Eastern Europe. The decisive change came from within: a Soviet leader who chose not to send the tanks. This content underpins Task 7.
Q1. Define glasnost and perestroika.
Q2. Complete the table sorting the causes of the collapse.
| Internal pressures | External / individual factors |
|---|---|
Q3. Explain why Gorbachev's abandonment of the Brezhnev Doctrine was so significant for Eastern Europe.
Q4. "Communism in Eastern Europe collapsed from within rather than because of Gorbachev." To what extent do you agree? Support your answer with evidence. (Task 7 practice.)