One of the most surprising aspects of the Eastern Bloc revolutions of 1989 was the peaceful nature and general lack of violence with which they occurred. But what was most surprising about these revolutions was the non-violent response, or general lack of response by the USSR.
Throughout the past the USSR had come to be known for their violent tactics in regards to revolts and maintaining control. This was most obvious during the Stalinist Era of the USSR.
During Stalin’s reign the USSR came to be known for KGB kidnappings, Gulags and collectivized farms, causing massive famine and death throughout the country. Even long after the death of Stalin, the USSR continued this policy of violence. In response to the Yugoslavian revolt in 1956, the USSR sent in the overwhelming Red Army and crushed all forms of revolt.
It was Gorbachev who, in ending this policy of violence and enacting a policy of reforms and concessions in favor of maintaining the USSR, destroyed it.
The USSR, without it’s overbearing sense of fear that it imposed on other countries (namely their satellite states) left themselves open for revolt. Gorbachev, in striving for peace in the USSR, ultimately destroyed his USSR and his own position within it.
