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The Peaceful Revolution, 1987 to 90
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In just over a year, from 1989 to 1990, the GDR collapsed without a war, and Germany was reunited.
Pressure builds
Soviet leader Gorbachev introduced reforms and would not send troops to save Eastern European regimes.
Honecker refused reform.
In 1989 Hungary opened its border with Austria, and thousands of East Germans fled west through it.
Honecker refused reform.
In 1989 Hungary opened its border with Austria, and thousands of East Germans fled west through it.
Protest and the fall of the Wall
Mass Monday demonstrations in Leipzig grew; protesters chanted "We are the people".
Honecker was replaced by Egon Krenz in October 1989.
On 9 November 1989, after a confused announcement about travel, crowds gathered and the guards opened the crossings: the Berlin Wall was open.
Honecker was replaced by Egon Krenz in October 1989.
On 9 November 1989, after a confused announcement about travel, crowds gathered and the guards opened the crossings: the Berlin Wall was open.
Collapse and reunification
The SED lost its monopoly of power and collapsed.
In March 1990 the GDR held its first free elections; parties favouring quick unity won.
A currency union came in July 1990, and Germany was reunited on 3 October 1990.
In March 1990 the GDR held its first free elections; parties favouring quick unity won.
A currency union came in July 1990, and Germany was reunited on 3 October 1990.
Why was Gorbachev's attitude so important in 1989?
- Earlier risings, such as Hungary in 1956, were crushed by Soviet tanks.
- Gorbachev would not use force to keep communist regimes in power.
- So the GDR leaders could not rely on Soviet troops to stop the protests.
Answer: Without Soviet military backing, the GDR regime could not crush the protests.
Gorbachev's reforms and refusal to use force; Honecker's resistance to change. Hungary opened its border with Austria (1989). Leipzig demonstrations grew; Krenz replaced Honecker; the Wall opened on 9 November 1989. Free elections (March 1990) and reunification on 3 October 1990.
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