Activity based resource on political and economic systems, asks students to explore communism, capitalism, socialism and democracy and formulate informed opinions for discussion and debate. Group and individual work.

Taken directly from the writing of Marx, Engels and Lenin, this entry from the Marxists Internet Archive also includes explanation of the quotations. Very detailed, it will require some sophistication on the part of the reader. Gives an...

Excellent online resource that through the use of primary sources and scholar interviews, focuses on the historical events of 1989 that deal with the collapse of communism in Eastern Europe. Great teacher resource with lesson plans...

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 site contains information on the legacy of Elena Ceausescu. It details her life as the wife of the Romanian dictator and the legacy she left behind. (Published 8 July 1999)

Extensive information about the collapse of the USSR. Includes an interactive timeline from 1985 through 1991, an interactive map of the countries of the USSR with country profiles and timelines, eyewitness accounts of the collapse of...

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.

World War II ended in 1945 and the Cold War began immediately. Read about the mistrust Western Europe and the United States felt towards the Soviet Union and Joseph Stalin. Learn how the Soviets expanded their realm of influence and...

This primary document is a copy of the Helsinki Agreements of 1975 which recognized the borders in central and Eastern Europe that were set up since the end of WWII. They show the acceptance of the Soviet influence in Eastern Europe. and...

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.

As the Cold War evolved over four decades, the end of the world seemed imminent as the nuclear arms race continued to escalate. Popular music, especially in the 1980s, reflected this growing pessimism. By 1989 and 1990, as the Berlin...

This site provides an article by William F. Buckley Jr. on Pope John Paul II. It discusses the meeting Gorbachev had with the pope and the struggle the pope went through to end communism in Eastern Europe.

A great biography of the life of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Wikipedia does a great job chronicling his early life, rise to power, political and economic powers, and ultimate demise. Ceausescu is a great person to study to learn...

A great biography of the life of Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceausescu. Wikipedia does a great job chronicling his early life, rise to power, political and economic powers, and ultimate demise. Ceausescu is a great person to study to learn...