Topic study hub
'Real existing Socialism', 1968–1980
Crisis in the Soviet Empire, 1953–2000: 'Real existing Socialism', 1968–1980
4
Objectives
10
Flashcards
10
Questions
88 min
Study time
AqaA LevelHistory2T The Crisis of Communism: The USSR and the Soviet
Choose a revision tool
Start revising 'Real existing Socialism', 1968–1980
Syllabus checklist
What you need to know
4 objective pages available
'Real existing Socialism', 1968–19804 objectives
- Political developments in the satellite states of central Europe: Poland and the leadership of Gierek; Czechoslovakia and the leadership of Husak; Hungary and the leadership of Kadar; the GDR and the leadership of Honecker; policy changes and the extent of reform.
- Economic and social developments in the Soviet satellite states: economic reforms; strengths and weaknesses; the influence of the West, economically and socially.
- Challenges to Soviet control in the Soviet satellite states: Western influence and the media; the impact of the Helsinki accords; political activism including Charter 77 and KOR (Czechoslovakia); Church organisations (Poland and GDR); contested elections (Hungary).
- Strikes and demonstrations in Poland; the emergence of Solidarity in 1980 and the reaction of the Polish government and USSR.
Key terms
Prague SpringBrezhnev DoctrinePerestroikaGoulash CommunismKOR (Workers' Defense Committee)Dissident MovementMartial LawLeninism
Exam tips
- Use specific examples in your answers: When discussing policies or events, always back up your points with specific examples and evidence.
- Use specific examples: When discussing economic and social developments, always back your points with specific examples from the satellite states.
Common mistakes
- Confusing leaders and their policies: Focus on the specific policies and contexts of each leader, such as distinguishing between Kádár's Goulash Communism and Gierek's economic reforms.
- Overgeneralizing the impact of reforms: Focus on the particular strengths and weaknesses of each reform and provide examples to support your analysis.
Practice preview
- Which leader was in charge of Poland during the period of 'Real Existing Socialism'?
- What were the main policies implemented by János Kádár in Hungary during the 'Real Existing Socialism' period?
- Evaluate the impact of the Prague Spring of 1968 on Czechoslovakia's political landscape under Gustav Husak.
Continue by objective
Objectives are grouped by subtopic so students can jump straight to the exact skill they want to revise.
Related topics