The people of Czechoslovakia reached a boiling point in 1989 with citizens clamoring for political economic, and social reforms. This article by the BBC portrays how demonstrations for such reforms ended with tragedy when the police...

This timeline of East Germany from 1945 to 1990 chronicles key events from communist domination to political and economic freedom with the end of the Cold War and the dismantling of the Berlin Wall.

Overview of the collapse of communism at the end of the 1980s and early 1990s ushered in by Mikhail Gorbachev and his reforms.

A lengthy biography of the life of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Chronicles his early life, rise to power, political and economic powers, and ultimate demise. Ceausescu is a good person to study to learn about the end of communism...

Explains and details the events that led up to and followed the downfall of Communism in Eastern Europe. Very thorough and detailed, including information about leaders, movements, and historical information.

Biographical account of Mikhail Sergeyevich Gorbachev, reformer of the Soviet Union. Includes information regarding Gorbachev's ascension to power with the Communist Party of the Soviet Union and his role in reducing the Cold War...

President of Poland from 1989 until the election of Lech Walesa in 1990, Wojciech Jaruzelski was an instrumental figure in the political reforms of Poland, including recognition of the Solidarity movement.

A great overview of the life of Romanian leader Nicolae Ceausescu. Includes his background and a detailed timeline of his life. A great resource for learning about his life and times.

One December 25, 1989, Nicolae and Elena Ceausescu were tried by a military tribunal and shot by a firing squad. This is a short recounting of the event.