How significant was Gorbachev's refusal to continue to support the GDR? Flashcards
What was the solidarity movement?
Name of a federation of trade unions that emerged in Poland from 1980 onwards which reached a membership of nearly 10 million workers and it was a broad movement that promoted political and social reforms.
What did the solidarity movement lead to?
It led to the increasing dissident in Czechslovakia
What was being asked of Gorbachev when he first came into power?
Growing popular demand for political reforms, such as multi-party elections, freedom of speech and the freedom of travel. Movements were asking for more radical change than had ever been envisaged by Gorbachev.
What were the two reforms Gorbachev put into place?
Gorbachev- Openness (Political)
Perestroika-Restructuring (Economic)
Why did Gorbachev remove the Brezhnev Doctrine?
This was because it was clear that the military Prescence was outweighed by the costs involved.
How was the party starting to show divisions?
These divisions were more hardline central leadership and more pro-Gorbachev communists. The previously united SED was starting to splinter.
What groups were present?
There were 80-90 ecological groups based in larger cities such as Liepzig where environmental problems were rife. One group was based in a basement and they set up their own self-printed journal. Several leaders were arrested and stasis seized their printing press.
What was the role of the church for the SED?
For the SED the church was a way to restrict the more radical members of small autonomous groups
What did the 1978 accord between Honecker and the Protestant leadership see?
Saw an agreement of a ‘church within socialism’ as both sides hoped for a working relationship.
What was the Junge Gemeinde?
This was the church’s youth organization and it was particularly resented by the SED as it rivaled the FDJ. Its mere existence was enough to warrant anger from the SED.
What did the SED do in the churches?
Placed Stasi agents at all levels within the church and 25% of the members were working as informers.
What was the general public becoming more active in?
Voicing their opinions and their expressions of discontent.
In the summer of 1989 what had many East German’s done?
Thousands of East German’s had left the country by travelling through Hungary and crossing into capitalist Austria
