• In 1981, the Solidarity union movement was suppressed by General Jaruzelski, who declared martial law. However, it still enjoyed popular support due to economic stagnation, government failure, and support from the Catholic Church.
• In 1988, Gorbachev's reforms led to the legalization of Solidarity, which then won the first free elections in Poland in 1989.
• Lech Walesa, the Solidarity leader, became Prime Minister while Jaruzelski remained President. This marked the first government in the Eastern bloc since the 1940s not controlled by Communists.
• The lack of internal or external support led to the collapse of the Polish Communist Party.

Example: The Polish Communist Party's collapse symbolized the end of an era and marked a significant victory for popular movements and democracy.

• Erich Honecker, the leader of East Germany since 1971, was widely disliked despite attempts to foster national identity through sport.
• The Stasi secret police's repressive actions and the mass exodus of East Germans to the West highlighted the regime's unpopularity.
• In 1989, despite growing anti-Communist sentiment, Honecker planned to consolidate Communist control. However, Gorbachev made it clear he would not support a revolt.
• Egon Krenz replaced Honecker, but miscommunication led to the unexpected opening of the Berlin Wall.
• Free elections in 1990 led to a majority supporting unification with West Germany, and the two were reunited on 3 October 1990.

Example: The fall of the Berlin Wall symbolized the end of the Cold War era and marked the beginning of the process of reunification for East and West Germany.

• In Hungary, reform came from within the Communist Party. Encouraged by Moscow's new policies, reformers sacked hardline leader Janos Kadar.
• On 23 October 1989, Matyas Szuros declared the Third Hungarian Republic, and free elections were held in 1990.

Example: The establishment of the Third Hungarian Republic showcased the power of internal reform within political parties.