The Czech and Slovak Republics, and Hungary

Chapter 19 Section 2

Czech, Slovak, andHungaryAfter fall of Communism in the late

1980s, they revert back to their historical links to the West.

Each use different approaches to address problems.

CzechoslovakiaCzech + Slovak(ia) Republics

Czech RepublicLandscape dominated by plateaus and

mountains, and high ridges define its boundaries.

Economy – industry basedRecognized as independent in 1993

Path to NationhoodHitler used the fact that many Germans

lived in NW Czechoslovakia as an excuse to invade it in 1930s.

Under communist control from 1948 to 1989.

Velvet Revolution – bloodless revolution after fall of communism

Economic SystemsPrivatization – process of selling

government-owned industries and businesses to private owners, runs more efficient.

Two RegionsBohemia – Western regionMoravia – Eastern region

Mines and IndustryPollution is biggest problem

SlovakiaMixed economy of industry and farming

Majority of population lives between Carpathian Mountains and Danube River.

FarmsCollective Farms – set up in 1948 by

communists, workers were paid by the government and they shared the profits from their products.

FactoriesNot important until communist rule after

World War II.Higher wages brought migrants into

cities.Factories were refitted to non-war

related goods.

Hungary90% of population are descended from

Magyars.Country divided into two parts by

Danube River.

Eastern half – broad plain known as the Great Alfold.• “Breadbasket” of Europe – fertile soil.

Western half – hilly region• Large deposits of natural resources.

Free EnterpriseOld, inefficient industries struggle and

failed.High unemployment, government was

deep in debt, and people were getting poorer.

Privatization – steady economic growth, lower unemployment, and foreign investment.

The Balkan Peninsula

Chapter 19 Section 3

Balkanize – to break up into small, mutually hostile political units.

After fall of Communism, war has been more prominent than peace.

RomaniaBroad plains and fertile soils along the

Danube River.Mineral deposits in the north.

Terrible economy predicted for decades to come.

Interesting factAn American soft drink maker spent

$150 million in Romania to build up its operations there. The investment helped about 25,000 small shops start or stay in business, selling soft drinks.

Entrepreneurs – individuals who start and build a business

Multiplier effect – eleven ner jobs have been added to Romania’s economy for each job that the soft drink company added.

BulgariaFertile soils from the Danube and plains

south of the Balkan Mountains.Garden of Eastern Europe – warm

summers and winters along the Black Sea are mild.

Bulgarians are Slavic people, like the Russians. Therefore welcoming the Soviets after World War II.

Economy failed after fall of Soviet Union, freedom, but quickly retaliated.

Tourism along Black Sea

AlbaniaMountainous region$100/month wages• Foreign companies built factories to

take advantage of low wages.

Other Balkan NationsConflicts flared with and between the

new nations.Bosnia and Herzegovina – 1995 NATO

enforced treaty divided Bosnia along ethnic lines.

Serbia and MontenegroFormer Yugoslavia until 2003.Mountains in Montenegro and fertile

plains in the Danube valley in Serbia.Low GDP, high unemployment (30% in

2002)

Crotatia¾ are ethnic Croats, descended from

the same early Slavs as the Serbs.

SloveniaEarly western ties, allowing industrial

development earlier than other nations in Balkan Peninsula.

Industry allows a higher standard of living.

Bosnia and HerzegovinaFormer Yugoslav Republic.Long-standing hostilities between

different groups.1995 peace treaty divided into two

roughly equal parts: one controlled by Bosniaks and Croaks and the other by Bosnian Serbs.

MacedoniaPoorest of the Yugoslav nations.

Baltic States and Border Nations

Chapter 19 Section 4