How Secure was the USSR’s Control over Eastern Europe, 1948–c.1989? (Cambridge (CIE) IGCSE History): Exam Questions

Opposition to communist rule took different forms across Eastern Europe.

Why was Solidarity able to win concessions from the Polish government in 1980?

Opposition to communist rule took different forms across Eastern Europe.

'Soviet control of Eastern Europe was never seriously threatened before 1985.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

Why did the Soviet Union respond violently to opposition in Hungary in 1956?

Who was more responsible for the collapse of Soviet control in Eastern Europe: Wałęsa or Gorbachev? Explain your answer.

East Germans were able to move freely into West Berlin until 1961.

Why did the refugee crisis become a serious problem for East Germany?

Mikhail Gorbachev became leader of the USSR in March 1985.

Why did Gorbachev introduce perestroika and glasnost?

The USSR faced challenges in Hungary in 1956 and Czechoslovakia in 1968.

'The USSR dealt with Hungary and Czechoslovakia in the same way.' How far do you agree with this statement? Explain your answer.

Soviet control of Eastern Europe collapsed in 1989.

Which did more to end Soviet control of Eastern Europe: Gorbachev's reforms or the actions of the USA? Explain your answer.