The reuniting of Germany, 1989 to 1991, Chapter 5 Flashcards
What external factors caused pressure for the Berlin Wall to fall?
- In 1989, Hungary massively restructured it’s government - it had free, mullti-party elections. This worried the SED, as many East Germans visited Hungary on holiday, and were worried it would inspire them to protest against the SED
- Also in 1989, Hungary opened its border with Austria. FRG law stated that once in Austria, an East German citizen could be granted a West German passport - thousands of people escaped through Hungary into Austria
- The USA began pushing for the reunification of Germany, and George Bush Senior called for all Eastern bloc countries to hold free and fair elections
- Gorbachev visited the FRG in 1989 to discuss possible reunification with Kohl
- The SED responded by trying to close East Germany’s borders with Czeckoslovakia and Poland, which the West used as propaganda to show the SED imprisoning it’s citizens
What internal factors contributed to the pressure for the Berlin Wall to fall?
- In 1989, it emerged that the SED had rigged and manipulated results of the election - this sparked great protest
- Protests in China against the Communist regime were dealt with harshly, which was applauded by GDR and threatened to anyone who went against the government - this inspired opposition groups and made them more determined
- Gorbachev visited the GDR in 1989 and told Honecker the GDR had to change to avoid collapse, and that the USSR would no longer intervene in internal affairs (too costly)
- Thousands began to gather for peace prayer and protest in Leipzig - the ‘Monday demonstrations’ began to attract thousands
- Honecker planned to crush a Leipzig protest in 1989 of 700,000 with violence, but East German USSR troops would not support him - unable to go ahead
- Honecker’s stubborn attitude and refusal to change only accelerated the progress of collapse of the GDR
- Honecker was undergoing gall-bladder surgery in 1989 - opposition grew in his absence
- Honecker was asked to step down by SED in 1989 on health grounds, replaced by Ergon Krenz
- Krenz offered free travel, reorganised GDR leadership and 30 days passports for citizens - all to no avail
- In 1989, the largest demonstration in German history took place in Leipzig, where 1 million people gathered
- There were calls for a reunited Germany, free travel and free elections
- On 9th November 1989, it was announced any East German with a passport or travel visa could go West, announced 24 hours than usual
What changes did Ergon Krenz’s try to make to appease voters?
In 1989, Ergon Krenz offered:
- Free travel
- Reorganising the GDR leadership
- Krenz offered all East Germans passports and free travel for 30 days a year
When was unrestricted travel to the FRG from the GDR finally permitted?
Free travel from the GDR to the FRG was finally permitted on 9th November 1989
What was the immediate impact of the fall of the Berlin Wall?
The broadcast went around the world and within hours there were thousands of Berliners crowded at the wall - the checkpoint guards had not all been told - by midnight, all checkpoints had been opened - people from both sides crossed
How were East German citizens greeted by the FRG?
East Germans were greeted with chocolate, beer, flowers and 100DM from the FRG government
Did many GDR citizens return home?
Many GDR citizens did return home, but planned to leave the East immediately - there were calls for reunification
What happened to the SED after the fall of the Berlin Wall?
Ergon Krenz was replaced by Hans Modrow, who wanted change. The SED lost its dominant position in government, officials were removed from power, censorship was lifted and the SED was renamed the Party of Democratic Socialism
What did the new government announce?
The new government announced free and fair elections would take place and the rule of law would protect citizens
What was the main problem in post-Wall East Germany?
Many thousands of people were leaving the GDR
How did the FRG react to the influx of GDR citizens?
The FRG was worried the state would be overwhelmed by the influx, and by 1990 Helmut Kohl said it would be best if East Germans stayed in the GDR
What did Helmut Kohl demand of the SED, 1990?
Helmut Kohl demanded that the SED give up its power
What did the 10 Point Plan propose in 1989?
The 10 Point Plan proposed economic aid to the GDR, improved postal services, the GDR to adopt a free-market, capitalist economy and a ‘federation’ of the GDR and FRG
How long did Kohl expect the 10 Point Plan, 1989, to implement?
Kohl expected the 10 Point Plan, 1989, to take 4-5 years to implement
Why did the 10 Point Plan 1989 cause so much debate?
Kohl had not consulted USA, West Europe, the USSR or even many of his own government about the plans