Daily Life behind the Iron Curtain

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Description

This compelling book describes how everyday people courageously survived under repressive Communist regimes until the voices and actions of rebellious individuals resulted in the fall of the Iron Curtain in Europe. Part of Greenwood's Daily Life through History series, Daily Life behind the Iron Curtain enables today's generations to understand what it was like for those living in Eastern Europe during the Cold War, particularly the period from 1961 to 1989, the era during which these peopleEast Germans in particularlived in the imposing shadow of the Berlin Wall. An introductory chapter discusses the Russian Revolution, the end of World War II, and the establishment of the Socialist state, clarifying the reasons for the construction of the Berlin Wall. Many historical anecdotes bring these past experiences to life, covering all aspects of life behind the Iron Curtain, including separation of families and the effects on family life, diet, rationing, media, clothing and trends, strict travel restrictions, defection attempts, and the evolving political climate. The final chapter describes Eastern Europe after the fall of the Berlin wall and the slow assimilation of East into West, and examines Europe after Communism.

Reviews

For curriculum support, this exploration of a central theme in twentieth-century European history will serve well. * Booklist Online *
This work will serve as a useful introduction for those desiring basic background on the lives of everyday individuals behind the Iron Curtain during the Cold war. * ARBA *

Author Bio

Jim Willis, PhD, is professor of journalism at Azusa Pacific University, Azusa, CA. He is a former chair of the Department of Communication at Boston College, and the Department of Journalism at Ball State University.