Modern History Quiz: The Contemporary Western World

The correct answer is KLA. The KLA, or Kosovo Liberation Army, was an anti-Serbian-rule group that emerged during the conflict in Kosovo in the late 1990s. They fought for the independence of Kosovo from Serbia and engaged in guerrilla warfare against Serbian forces. The other individuals listed in the group are not associated with the KLA or the conflict in Kosovo.

Nicolae Ceausescu was the Romanian dictator who was executed in 1989. Ceausescu ruled Romania with an iron fist for over two decades, implementing repressive policies and suppressing dissent. However, his regime faced increasing opposition and protests, leading to a violent revolution in December 1989. Ceausescu and his wife were captured, tried, and swiftly executed by firing squad. This event marked the end of Ceausescu's brutal dictatorship and the beginning of a new era for Romania.

In 1989, the government of East Germany made the decision to tear down the Berlin Wall, which was one of the last symbols of the Cold War. The Berlin Wall had been built in 1961 to separate East and West Berlin, and its destruction marked a significant turning point in the reunification of Germany and the end of the Cold War. This decision was a significant political and historical event, as it represented a shift in the relationship between East and West Germany and the beginning of a new era of unity.

Slobodan MiloSevic is the correct answer because he was a Serbian leader who was removed from power and tried for war crimes at the International Court of Justice. He served as the President of Serbia and later as the President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. MiloSevic was known for his involvement in the Yugoslav Wars and was charged with crimes against humanity, including genocide, during his trial at the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia. He died in 2006 before a verdict was reached in his trial.

Lech Walesa is the correct answer because he was the organizer of Solidarity in Poland. Solidarity was a trade union and social movement that played a significant role in the Polish struggle against communism. Lech Walesa, a Polish politician and labor activist, co-founded and led Solidarity, which became the first independent trade union in a Warsaw Pact country. Walesa's leadership and the movement's efforts ultimately led to the downfall of communism in Poland and inspired similar movements across Eastern Europe.

Vaclav Havel was a former writer who became the elected president of Czechoslovakia in 1989. He played a significant role in the Velvet Revolution, a peaceful overthrow of the communist regime in Czechoslovakia. Havel was known for his activism and advocacy for human rights, democracy, and freedom of speech. He was a prominent figure in the dissident movement and his leadership during the transition to democracy in Czechoslovakia earned him international recognition. Havel's election as president marked a turning point in the country's history and he is widely regarded as a symbol of resistance against oppression.

The correct answer is Serb minorities. This is because the Yugoslav republics, which existed from 1918 to 1992, were made up of different ethnic groups. One of the largest minority groups within Yugoslavia were the Serbs, who were present in significant numbers throughout the republics.

In 1998, a war erupted in Kosovo, a province of Yugoslavia. This conflict was between the Yugoslav government, led by Serbia, and the Kosovo Liberation Army (KLA), which sought independence for Kosovo. The war lasted for several months and resulted in significant casualties and displacement of people. The international community intervened, leading to negotiations and ultimately the establishment of the United Nations Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) to govern the region.

Walesa's trade union movement was supported by workers and the Roman Catholic Church. The Roman Catholic Church played a significant role in supporting the movement by providing moral and financial support. The Church's involvement helped to mobilize and unite workers, as it provided a platform for them to voice their grievances and fight for their rights. The Church's support also gave the movement credibility and legitimacy in the eyes of the public and the international community.

Poland's free-market reforms in 1990 led to severe unemployment. This is because the transition from a centrally planned economy to a market-based system resulted in the closure and privatization of many state-owned enterprises, leading to job losses. The reforms also removed price controls and subsidies, causing economic restructuring and further contributing to unemployment. While the reforms aimed to promote long-term economic growth, the immediate consequence was a period of high unemployment as the economy adjusted to the new system.