Sure! Here are the answers to your questions:
1. Countries that Replaced Communist Governments with Democratic Governments:
- Poland: In the 1980s, Solidarity, a labor movement led by Lech Wałęsa, played a significant role in the push for democratic reforms. In 1989, Poland held partially free elections, leading to a non-communist government.
- Czechoslovakia: The Velvet Revolution in 1989 saw the peaceful overthrow of the communist regime, leading to the establishment of a democratic government.
- Hungary: Following a series of reforms and protests, Hungary transitioned to a parliamentary democracy in 1989, leading to free elections and the adoption of a democratic constitution.
2. What Happened to Germany in 1990 and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS):
- Germany in 1990: The year marked the reunification of East and West Germany, which was a significant moment in European history. The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 symbolized the collapse of communist rule in Eastern Germany, leading to a peaceful process of reunification. On October 3, 1990, Germany was officially reunified, restoring it as a single sovereign state.
- Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS): The CIS was established in December 1991 after the dissolution of the Soviet Union. It replaced the USSR and consisted of several former Soviet republics. The CIS aimed to provide a framework for political and economic cooperation among its member states, although many of them pursued individual paths and policies, leading to varied levels of cooperation and conflict among member countries.
3. What Happened in Bosnia and Kosovo?
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Bosnia: The Bosnian War (1992-1995) followed the breakup of Yugoslavia, marked by ethnic tensions among Bosniaks (Bosnian Muslims), Croats, and Serbs. The war was characterized by ethnic cleansing, violence, and significant civilian suffering. The conflict ended with the Dayton Agreement in 1995, which established a federal structure within Bosnia and Herzegovina, creating a complex political framework that still exists today.
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Kosovo: Kosovo experienced a violent conflict in 1998-1999, primarily between ethnic Albanians seeking independence from Serbia and Serbian forces. The situation escalated into a humanitarian crisis, prompting NATO's military intervention in March 1999. Following the war, Kosovo was placed under UN administration and declared independence from Serbia in 2008, though Serbia and some other countries do not recognize this independence.
These events played significant roles in reshaping the political landscape of the Balkans and influenced international relations in the region.