Museum Entrance

1. Welcome to The Cold War: 1976-1991 Museum Museum Entrance Room #3: 1988- 1989 (part 1) Room #2: 1983-1987 Room #4: 1989 (part 2) - 1991 Room #1: 1976-1982 Curator’s Offices

2. Curator’s Office Doctor Afton Gillard Doctor Afton Gillard, born in League City Texas, attended Clear Springs High School and graduated from The University of Texas at Austin. She received her PHD in history of the Cold War and is very knowledgeable in the history of the Cold War; more specifically the years 1976-1991. Doctor Gillard has held the position of curator at The Cold War: 1976-1991 Museum in League City Texas for 5 and a half years. Please enjoy your visit! Contact me at aftonkayla@yahoo.com Return to Entry Note: Virtual museums were first introduced by educators at Keith Valley Middle School in Horsham, Pennsylvania. This template was designed by Dr. Christy Keeler. View the Educational Virtual Museums website for more information on this instructional technique.

3. Room #1: 1976-1982 Room 1 Artifact 2 Artifact 3 Artifact 1 Artifact 5 Artifact 4 Return to Entry

4. Room #2: 1983-1987 Room 2 Artifact 7 Artifact 8 Artifact 6 Artifact 10 Artifact 9 Return to Entry

5. Room #3: 1988-1989 (part 1) Room 3 Artifact 13 Artifact 12 Artifact 11 Artifact 15 Artifact 14 Return to Entry

6. Room #4: 1989 (part 2)-1991 Room 4 Artifact 18 Artifact 17 Artifact 16 Artifact 20 Artifact 19 Return to Entry

7. #1.1979- Collapse of Détente and invasion of Afghanistan American- Soviet relations had entered a new phase, known as Détente, in the 1970’s.This was marked by a relaxation of tensions and improved relations between the two super powers. Beginning in 1979, however, things began to fall apart after the invasion of Afghanistan by the Soviet Union. The Soviet Union was looking to restore a pro-Soviet regime in Afghanistan, which frustrated the U.S. , who viewed this as an act of expansion. President of the United States, Jimmy Carter, placed an embargo on the shipment of American grain to the Soviets. These events intensified the Cold War. http://legacy.history.co.uk/this-day-in-history/December-27.html;jsessionid=96D458214B30FEE48CB01DEA5B4839CB Return to Exhibit http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE53

8. #2. 1980- Ronald Reagan elected President of United States The Cold War further intensified when Ronald Reagan was elected President of the United States in 1980. The new president, who saw the Soviets as “evil”, began a military buildup and a new arms race. Reagan also aided Afghan Rebels, in attempt to further draw out the Soviet war in Afghanistan. http://www.whitehouse.gov/about/presidents/ronaldreagan Return to Exhibit http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE53

9. #3. 1980-Lech Walesa establishes Solidarity In 1980, Polish workers at the Gdansk shipyard, went on strike. The workers, lead by Lech Walesa, demanded government recognition of their union, Solidarity. When millions of Poles supported the action, including the Roman Catholic Church under the leadership of Pope John Paul II, the first Polish pope, the government gave in to the union’s demands. Union leader Lech Walesa became a national hero. http://www.nobelforpeace-summits.org/info-nobel-eng/5933/ Return to Exhibit http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/553374/Solidarity

10. #4. 1981- General Jaruzelski introduces Martial Law to Poland Polish General Jaruzelski, faced with the growing influence of Solidarity, decided on a violent solution. On December 13, 1981, Jaruzelski introduced Martial Law to The People’s Republic of Poland. Martial Law, the control and policing of a civilian population by military forces and according to military rules, crushed several strikes and employed special riot-police units. Martial Law, which was officially lifted in July 1983, had not resolved Poland's problems. The Polish economy still could not emerge from the crisis, however, solidarity was significantly weakened. http://en.poland.gov.pl/Martial,Law,,7310.html http://www.polenvoornederlanders.nl/?page_id=4374&lang=en Return to Exhibit http://en.poland.gov.pl/Martial,Law,,7310.html

11. #5. 1982-Leonid Brezhnev dies The ruling committee of the Communist Party, Politburo, and Leonid Brezhnev, the Soviet Premier, crushed all political disagreement in the Soviet Union. The Communist Party restricted freedom of speech and worship and censors decided what writers could publish. After Brezhnev’s death in 1982, the aging leadership of the Soviet Union tried to hold on to power. However, each of Brezhnev’s two successors died after only about a year in office. The need for a new, strong leader was present, and who it would be came into question. http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-138159/Leonid-Brezhnev Return to Exhibit http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/leonid-brezhnev-dies

12. #6. 1985- Gorbachev assumes leadership in Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev, praised by his supporters for his youth, energy, and political skills, became the Communist party’s new general secretary. What the Politburo members did not realize in their decision of electing Gorbachev, was the unleashing of another Russian Revolution. The young, 54 year old leader, was welcomed by the Soviet people, and unlike Stalin’s ruthless purge of independent-minded party members, Gorbachev decided to pursue new ideas including Glasnost, perestroika, and democratization. http://www.russianarts.org/rno/photos.cfm?Photos=Guest&Code=710 Return to Exhibit http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE53

13. #7. 1985- Gorbachev announces Glasnost policy Unlike Stalin’s ruthless purge of independent-minded party members, and other past Soviet leaders who had created a totalitarian state, Gorbachev decided to pursue new ideas. Past ideas rewarded silence and discouraged individuals from acting on their own, resulting in a Soviet society that rarely changed and a stagnated Soviet economy. Realizing that economic and social reforms could not occur without a free flow of ideas and information, in1985 Gorbachev announced a policy known as glasnost. This policy of openness brought remarkable changes throughout the country. The government allowed churches to open, released dissidents from prison and allowed the publication of books by previously banned authors. http://www.newliturgicalmovement.org/2009/11/architectural-imagination-russian.html Return to Exhibit http://www.fofweb.com/NuHistory/default.asp?ItemID=WE53

14. #8. 1985- Gorbachev introduces idea of Perestroika Gorbachev blamed the several economic problems of the Soviet Union on the inefficient central planning system. Under this system, party officials told farm and factory managers how much to produce, what wages to pay, and what prices to charge. Because individuals could not produce more, therefore increasing their pay, they had little motive to improve efficiency. In 1985, Gorbachev introduced the idea of perestroika, or economic restructuring, in hopes to revive the economy. In his goals to improve the efficiency and productivity of the economy, Gorbachev granted greater authority over farms and factories to local managers, and allowed people to open small private businesses. https://www.magnumphotos.com/C.aspx?VP3=SearchResult&STID=2S5RYD1RWTNP Return to Exhibit

15. #9. 1987- Gorbachev unveils Democratization policy Gorbachev, aware of the fact that the Communist Party would have to loosen its grip on politics and Soviet society in order for the economy to improve, unveiled a third new policy in 1987. This policy, called democratization, would be a gradual opening of the political system and called for the election of a new legislative body. In the past, voters had only approved candidates handpicked by the Communist Party. Now, voters had the ability to choose from a list of candidates for each office. The election produced many surprises including the choosing of lesser-known candidates and reformers instead of powerful party bosses. http://news.nick.com/03/2014/17/crimean-voters-choose-russia-over-ukraine-u-s-refuses-to-recognize-results/ Return to Exhibit http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/238982/Mikhail-Gorbachev

16. #10. 1987- Soviet Union and U.S. sign INF Treaty Gorbachev’s several new policies eventually brought an end to the Cold War. In 1987, Gorbachev made an agreement with the United States called the Intermediate-range Nuclear Force (INF) Treaty. This eliminated intermediate-range nuclear weapons, which benefited both sides. Gorbachev hoped to further improve the Soviet Economy, and the U.S., after becoming the world’s biggest debtor nation, wished to decrease their substantial debt. These along with other factors strengthened the countries mutual support of the treaty. http://www.parker75.addr.com/Reference/Treaty_75s/INF_Treaty.htm Return to Exhibit http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/290411/Intermediate-Range-Nuclear-Forces-Treaty

17. #11. 1988- Communist Party Conference initiates political reforms At the Communist Party Conference in 1988, Gorbachev established The Congress of People’s Deputies, a new Soviet Parliament whose members were to be elected. This Parliament met in 1989 (the first such meeting in Russia since 1918). First, Gorbachev did away with constitutional provision that guaranteed the Communist Party a “leading role” in government. Next, the leader strengthened his power by creating a new state presidency, declaring himself the first secretary of the party (the highest position). Little did he know, in 1990, Gorbachev would become the Soviet Union’s first and last president. http://www.archive.worldpressphoto.org/search/layout/result/indeling/detailwpp/form/wpp/sjabloon/print/q/ishoofdafbeelding/true/trefwoord/photographer_formal/Fedorenko,%20Vladimir Return to Exhibit http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/132596/Congress-of-Peoples-Deputies

18. #12. 1988- Polish Regime agrees to free parliamentary elections After a new wave of several demonstrations by supporters of Solidarity in 1988, the Polish regime agreed to free parliamentary elections. These were the first free elections in Europe since the 1940’s. A new government was elected, putting an end to 45 years of communist rule in Poland. Lech Walsea, the founder of Solidarity, was elected President in December, 1990. http://justpiper.com/2012/10/freepac-chicago-lech-walesa-solidarnosc-solidarity-full-speech/ Return to Exhibit http://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/index.php/movements-and-campaigns/movements-and-campaigns-summaries?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&sobi2Id=8

19. #13- 1989- Fall of The Berlin Wall After the escape of thousands of East Germans to the West, the East German government responded by closing its borders entirely. Huge demonstrations broke out in East Germany within the following months. Egon Krenz, the East German leader, boldly gambled that he could restore stability by allowing people to leave East Germany and on November 9, 1989, he opened the Berlin Wall. Joyous celebration erupted throughout the long-divided city of Berlin. Krenz’s dramatic gamble to save communism did not work and by the end of 1989, the East German Communist Party had ceased to exist. http://www.cato.org/blog/obamacare-pro-market-berlin-wall-was-pro-migrant Return to Exhibit

20. #14. October 1989- Radical reformers take over a CommunistParty congress Inspired by the changes in Poland, Hungarian leaders launched a sweeping reform program in 1989. Reformers allowed a small stock market to operate and encouraged private enterprise in order to stimulate economic growth. In addition, a new constitution legalized a multiparty system with free elections. Furthermore, in October 1989, radical reformers took over a Communist Party congress. The radicals overthrew the party’s leaders and then demolished the party itself. http://www.dw.de/hungary-feels-torn-about-its-achievements-since-1989/a-4930782 Return to Exhibit http://future.state.gov/when/timeline/1969_detente/fall_of_communism.html

21. #15. 1989- Czechoslovakia Reforms Czechoslovakia remained quite silent during the demand for democracy in neighboring East Germany. Czechoslovakia’s conservative government led by Milos Jakes resisted all change and in 1989, even arrested several rebels. Hundreds more were arrested on October 28, 1989, when about 10,000 people gathered in Wenceslas Square in the center of Prague demanding democracy and freedom. Again, several weeks later, about 25,000 students gathered in Prague to demand reform. Following orders from the government, the police brutally attacked and injured hundreds of demonstrators. This angered the Czech people and even larger crowds gathered in Wenceslas Square. On November 25, about 500,000 protesters crowded into downtown Prague demanding the end to communist rule. Within hours, Milos Jakes and his entire Politburo resigned and one month later, a new parliament elected Václav Havel president of Czechoslovakia. http://www.theguardian.com/world/2009/aug/02/protest-berlinwall Return to Exhibit https://www.nonviolent-conflict.org/index.php/movements-and-campaigns/movements-and-campaigns-summaries?sobi2Task=sobi2Details&catid=18&sobi2Id=18

22. #16. 1989- Massacre in Timisoara By late 1989, only Romania seemed indifferent to the pleas for reform. Romania’s ruthless Communist dictator, Nicolae Ceausescu maintained a firm grip on power and employed secret police who enforced his orders brutally. All the same, Romanians were fully aware of the reforms in other countries and began a protest movement of their own. In December, the ruthless Ceausescu ordered the army to fire on protesters in the city of Timisoara, killing and wounding hundreds. The massacre in Timisoara ignited a popular uprising against Ceausescu and within days the people gained the support of the army. After an attempt to flee, Ceausescu and his wife were captured, and then tried and executed on Christmas Day, 1989. In 1990, Romania held general elections. https://olivernmoody.wordpress.com/author/olivernmoody/ Return to Exhibit http://realromania.wordpress.com/2009/12/17/december-17-1989-timisoara-2/

23. #17. 1990/1991- Lithuania declares independence and Soviet troops attack the capital The Baltic nations of Lithuania, Estonia, and Latvia had been independent republic states all throughout WWI and WWII. The soviets finally annexed them in 1940. 50 years later, Gorbachev ordered an economic blockade after Lithuania declared its independence. Gorbachev feared that Lithuania’s example might encourage other nations, and was hesitant in going further. In January 1991, Soviet troops attacked unarmed civilians in Lithuania’s capital, killing 14 and wounding hundreds. This attack, in addition to the absence of any sign of economic progress in the Soviet Union, significantly decreased Gorbachev’s popularity. http://www.lithuaniatribune.com/11174/11-march-1990-lithuania-declares-independence-from-the-ussr-201211174/ Return to Exhibit

24. #18. 1991- Boris Yeltsin becomes President of Russia After the attack in Lithuania, and the lack of economic progress in the Soviet Union, Gorbachev’s popularity decreased significantly. Citizens turned to Boris Yeltsin, a member of parliament and the former mayor of Moscow , for leadership. Yeltsin seemed to recognize all of Gorbachev’s mistakes and was chosen to become the Russian Federation’s first directly elected president in 1991. http://kids.britannica.com/comptons/art-15317/Boris-Yeltsin-1991 Return to Exhibit

25. #19. 1990- Iraq invades Kuwait, beginning Gulf War With the world’s 4th largest military, Iraq, under the leadership of Saddam Hussein, invaded Kuwait on August 2nd, 1990. Hussein had wagered that he could get away with snatching the tiny oil–rich nation to help pay off debts. Unfortunately for Hussein, he had misread the interests of the international community and the United States in a firm Middle East. Prior to the invasion, Hussein defied orders to retreat and the U.N. imposed sanctions. With the U.N. on their side, and after months of deliberation, the U.S. and international Coalition forces launched air and missile attack on Iraq on January 16, 1991. Following the air attack was a ground assault, and Hussein’s troops were quickly forced out of Kuwait. The U.N. declared an end to the war on April 11, 1991. http://gulfwar1991.blogspot.com/2010/09/iraq-invasion-of-kuwait-iraq-kuwait-war.html Return to Exhibit

26. #20. 1990- Germany is reunified After the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989, and the collapse of communism in East Germany, several German’s began to speak of reunification. While several supported the merging of the two Germany’s, many feared a united Germany. Helmut Kohl, the West German chancellor assured that his country was committed to human rights and democracy. This argument persuaded many and Germany was officially reunited on October 3, 1990. However, the outdated East German goods could not compete in the global market. Problems including raised taxes, inflation, and unemployment in eastern Germany challenged the recently reunified nation. http://www.coutausse.com/#/photojournalism/the-fall-of-the-berlin-wall-1989/berlin09 Return to Exhibit http://www.pbs.org/frontlinworld/stories/iraq501/events_kuwait.html