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