Why did communist governments rapidly collapse throughout Europe Essay

Why did communist governments rapidly collapse throughout Europe during the late 1980s and early 1990s - Essay Example For instance, US which eventually supported Europe by pushing for democracy with the intention of overthrowing Soviet’s autocratic leadership. The US gained support from the people though its intervention did not help much in liberation of the majority. However, their â€Å"diplomatic† intervention contributed immensely to the communism’s collapse by interfering with its (soviet) leadership. This is evident with the then period’s Reagan doctrine whose core purpose encompassed aiding anticommunist movements. Reagan in his quest to thwart communist’s threats and safeguard US’s interests, he embarked on constructive peacetime strategy that up to date comprise the world’s history. Consequently, this led to signing of subsequent treaties with Soviet aimed at both reducing and shunning any intentions of launching nuclear missiles either in space or land-based (Louka 353). Since, they were detrimental to humanity’s existence (Louka 353 ). This was Reagan’s rapport to destabilize and weaken states that seemed hostile to US’ interests. Therefore, this intervention besides other varied strategies by US undercover utterly rendered Soviet’s regime extremely weak to the extent of not being able to subdue states, which it had conquered. Since, they continued to receive support from outside in form of establishing movements, for instance, Poland’s Solidarity Trade union (Shevel 228). Solidarity in Poland acted as an umbrella of all anticommunist movements in the country whereby its action was immense to the then incumbent regime. Gradually, these Round The table negotiations and strong oppositions emanating from demonstrating workers or movements in varied states led to the collapse of communist system (Shevel 228). Another reason was due to the emergency of nationalism, which not only acted as a democratic project but also an anticommunist force. Nationalism received an immense support especia lly by numerous Communist dominated states that were in quest of liberty and evading Marxist theory. This was democratization process, which received support both from citizens and Polish Catholic Church whereby the latter rejected Soviet way of governance (Muehlenbeck 248). This is because almost all other religions in the state were under the control of Soviet except catholic church that assumed a unique position, hence resulted to offering support to the varied anticommunist movements (nationalism being one of them) (Muehlenbeck 248). Hence, actions of both nationalism and Polish Catholic Church against communist acted as an example to other states that were under the dominion of soviet, which also adopted the same agitation (Muehlenbeck 248). Communist governments in Europe lacked proper strategies both for infrastructure and economic reinvestment. The mainstream regime instead emphasized on military power with the intention of thwarting threats from other global states that sho wed interests in Europe, for instance, US. Poor economic investment yielded to numerous demonstrations especially by workers who cited they were experiencing underpayment besides other varied bad conditions while working. Hence, prompting citizens and powerful movements translate the presence of soviet in Europe did not have any significant impact but to dehumanize the ordinary people. Inadequate economic investment emanated from self-interests that characterized the leaders of the day besides the mainstream soviet regime instead of elevating the ordinary. This fueled the aspect of quick democratization in all states; Poland acting as an example that successfully managed to defy communism (Muehlenbeck 248).

Early twentieth century arts Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Early twentieth century arts - Essay Example The renaissance was a cerebration of the African-American heritage which was expressed through art, music, literature and dance (Watson 19). The Harlem renaissance began to wind down in the year 1929; this was partly caused by the great depression because financial necessities became of more importance than the artistic expression. Great waves, of the African-Americans, travelled to the northern cities so that they may seek employment opportunities in many factories, which were available in response to World War 1. These African-Americans were forced to settle in urban segregated housing, due to the social attitudes of the 20th century, and ended up creating metropolises. This caused that period of artistic and intellectual activity in the African American community, in New York, which finally lead to the Harlem Renaissance (Watson 19). The Harmon foundation was started by one of the many white Americans who expressed interest in the artistic eruption of the black Americans. He established the foundation in the city of New York. The main aim of the foundation was to recognize the African American achievements, in fine arts and also in other fields like, music, farming, relations, literature, race, education, science, religious service and business (Watson 19). Some scholars are today critics of the Harmon foundation. They say that the foundation puts emphasis on the celebration of the African-American cultural achievements and overlooks the difficult living conditions that are found in many black suburbs in urban settings. Many artists have been given support by the Harmon foundation. They include artists such as; Robert Russa Moton, Hale Woodruff, Palmer Hayden, Langston Hughes, Archibald Motley, Countee Cullen and Claude McKay. All the above named artists have all received various awards in fine arts and literature (Watson 19). Jackson’s works of Art