Events of 1989 Flashcards
What does Hungary do to the restrictions on E. Germans crossing the border?
Lifts them
What does the SED do in response to attempted emigration?
Why does this worsen the GDR’s reputation?
Labels them ‘counter revolutionaries’ if they go to Polish embassies and tries to deport them to FRG
Many try and fail to go with them which was bad publicity
How many people leave E. Germany from Jan-Nov?
What did most emigrants have in common?
Over 250 000
75% were under 40s that wanted to intergrate in W. German society
What were the two most popular opposition groups and what did they want?
Democracy Now and New Forum
They wanted political reforms instead of reunification.
What 3 things happen on the military parade celebrating the 70th anniversary of SED?
It is gatecrashed by people desparate for reform chanting ‘Gorby’
Gorby urges Honecker to reform
Honecker scapegoats FRG for inciting rebellion
Why were 70 000 willing to gather outside Leipzig St Michael’s church to protest?
They realised that Honecker would be unlikely to use force without the USSR’s backing
Why were the Leipzig protests in October so tense?
Honecker had just applauded the CCP’s use of force in the Tiananmen Square Masscare
What was the result of the Leipzig protests in October?
Politburo bevame convinced that Honecker had to retire for the longevity of the SED so he was replaced with Krenz
How many people protested in Nov in Berlin and Leipzig?
What were people chanting at Leipzig?
1 million in Berlin and 500 000 in Leipzig
‘Germany- one fatherland!’
What does Krenz promise that E. Germans will get?
Passports and visas
What does the Politburo do in November to convince people that the SED was capable of ruling?
They resign
