Gorbachev and Eastern Europe

Situation in Europe similar to that in USSR, poor living standards, shortage of food, criticism of communist leaders.

Gorbachev's reforms in USSR led to demands for reforms in satellite states. Wanted glasnost and perestroika too, and so did Gorbachev.

Problem were old communist rulers in states of Eastern Europe, steeped in Communist doctrines, afraid and uncertain reforms would work, feared glasnost…