CZECHOSLOVAKIA
Before The Fall
In 1989, many demonstrations were held against the Czechoslovakian Communist regime. To the surprise of many, the state rarely intervened in these events. Although some believe that this inaction was part of a plot to institute a Gorbachev-style administration, it nevertheless created a path to change in Czechoslovakia. By the end of November the guarantee of the Communist Party's leading role embedded in the constitution was abolished by the communist-controlled federal assembly. A major blow to Communism in Czechoslovakia occurred when Moscow announced that the 1968 invasion of Czechoslovakia would be renounced by the five members of the Warsaw Pact that were involved in the event. By December a new government was formed and the cabinet consisted of a majority of non-Communists. Early 1990 saw the disbanding of the secret police and the granting of freedom of association. Following the June election, the Communists were no longer included in government. (Crampton, 1997, 397-399)
After The Fall
The newly elected government required the Communist Part use contributions from members as the only source of finance and made an agreement with Russia to have the Red Army withdrawn by July 1991. The government handled economic reform rather well. Inflation rates were contained and the country enjoyed the establishment of several foreign companies. Political reform seemed to be of more importance. By the end of 1990, powers had been devolved to the independent Czech and Slovak republics within Czechoslovakia. In July 1992, however, the Slovak parliament declared its sovereignty and in November, the federal assembly voted dissolve the federation, which would take effect on the first day of 1993. Czechoslovakia was now dissolved into The Czech Republic and Slovakia. (Crampton, 1997, 439-441)
