1.4d Why was the reunification of the GDR and FRG so rapid? Flashcards
After the opening of the Berlin wall, how many people didn’t go to the West?
1 million
What 3 things did Krenz promise to try and keep people from leaving?
- Party election
- Media free from government control
- Liberalisation of control on the economy
How was the SED politically removed?
The Volkskammer amended the constitution to end the SED’s leading role
How many days did Krenz last in office?
44 days
Which 2 opposition parties were there to the SED?
New Forum
Democracy Now
What were the names of the talks between opposition groups and Eastern Bloc countries
Round Table talks
Why was the ‘Round Table’ originally set up?
To promote internal GDR reform such as the dissolution of the Stasi
What did ‘New Forum’ and ‘Democracy Now’ want?
A democratic GDR to exist alongside the FRG
Who was the final leader of the SED and the successor of Krenz?
Hans Modrow
What was the SED renamed to?
The SED-PDS, then just the PDS
What did Modrow have a reputation for?
Being reformist
Modrow was who’s preferred choice of leader?
Gorbcahov
What 2 key government departments were removed under Modrow?
Politburo & Central Committee
What replaced the Politburo & Central Committee?
The ‘Council of Ministers’
Who did the ‘Council of Ministers’ include?
Members of opposition groups such as the ‘Round Table’
What 2 things did Modrow announce to try to make people stay?
- Free elections
- Economic reform
In January 1990, how many people left for the West?
70,000
Why was there no fear of SED clampdown on people leaving?
Due to the economic turmoil they were in from people leaving
What event occurred in 1989, showing the declining support for an independent nation?
A concern at Brandenburg Gate where ‘Ole to Freedom’ was sang
What happened at the Stasi HQ in Berlin after the collapse of the SED?
Stasi officers were caught destroying records as protestors tried to salvage incriminating files
What was done to elections in order to try and stem some of the strikes and emigration in 1990?
May elections brought forward to March
In 1990, how did the stance of the ‘Round Table’ change?
They began to call for a more gradual reunification
Which 3 groups joined together to form a political party?
New Forum
Democracy Now
IFM
What was the political party created when New Forum, Democracy Now and IFM joined together?
Alliance 90