The Building of Democracy

Abstract

This chapter looks at the events leading up to the fall of communism in Czechoslovakia and Hungary in 1989. It addresses the overall climate that allowed communism to fall, along with specific events that took place in each country. The aftermath of the regime change is discussed as well as people's reactions to it. The chapter also looks at how democratic structures were built in each country. Finally, European Union membership is briefly discussed including how Czechs and Hungarians feel about the EU today.