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People's Century: People Power, Part II
60 minutes This film was screened on public television in April 1998. The full program ran 2 hours. The first part focused on the Bolshevik Revolution that installed communism in Russia. The second part, of more interest to History 0200, looks at how the communist system, so seemingly strong at one time, unravelled. In watching it you will note, that the film makers look at the Soviet Bloc in toto, that is they include the Soviet Union, and not just the countries of East Central Europe that we are studying. This view of the Bloc is helpful in gaining an understanding of the end of communism and its functioning while it lasted, both because of the importance of Gorbachev in the process of dismantling East European communism, and because common people's dissatisfaction (and earlier support of) with the communist system transcended international boundaries. Discussion Questions 1. As you watch the program, review the principles of communism. Compare the role of the individual in a democratic system vs. a communist system. How does each system give people power? 2. As you watch the program, write down how the following people express their discontent with communism: Natasha Kuznetsova, Mihai Radu, Mike Fröhnel, Henryka Kryzwonos, Petr Miller, and Ioan Savu. 3. Why did people become disillusioned with communism? How did they express their discontent? How did their actions contribute to the fall of communism? What if they had not taken action, or if politicains had tried to reform rather than dismantle their communist governments? Explain. 4. Why is the right to assemble considered an important element of democracy? How is it related to the right of free speech? 5. What motivated people to protest? What risks did they face when they engaged in protests? 6. What frustrations led workers like Henryka Kryzwonos to demand an independent union? What tactics did they use to protest? Why do you think their success was threatening to communist leaders? 7. How did the Soviet authorities respond to the Solidarity movement? How effective was their response? Explain. How did Gorbachev's philosophy differ from the philosophies of other communist leaders? What impact did his reforms have on the Soviet Union? On other countries? 8. Based on the quotation from Bärbel Reinke, what do you think made an ordinary person like her finally decide to take action? What do you think caused protest and revolution to spread through Eastern Europe? | |
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