Peaceful Revolution

The Peaceful Revolution (German: Friedliche Revolution) was a big change that happened in East Germany in the late 1980s. It was part of many peaceful changes across the Eastern Bloc at that time.

This revolution helped East Germany open its borders to the Western world. It was inspired by similar peaceful changes in places like Poland, where Solidarity led the way. The leader of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev, decided not to get involved, which made these changes possible.

In East Germany, which was also called the German Democratic Republic (GDR or DDR), this revolution ended the rule of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) in 1989. The country moved toward a parliamentary system. This peaceful change helped lead to the German reunification in October 1990.

The GDR was having trouble competing in the world economy and its debt was growing. These problems, along with those in other Eastern Bloc countries, made the government weaker. The revolution was filled with peaceful actions and demonstrations.

Reunification

Because of its unfriendly actions toward changes in other socialist countries, the leaders of East Germany were already separate from others when they allowed the opening of the border at the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989. Through changes in leadership and a wish to talk, the East German government tried to take back control, but the situation was mostly handled by the West German government under Chancellor Helmut Kohl.

From December 1989, the government of East Germany, led by Prime Minister Hans Modrow, was influenced by talks with groups that wanted change. This led to the end of the secret police, known as the Stasi, and plans for free elections. After the elections, the way to German reunification became clear, and East German citizens were happy to reunite after 40 years of being apart.

Timeline

The Peaceful Revolution was a time of big changes in East Germany in 1989. It led to the country joining with West Germany. It started with smaller protests and events, like the opening of Hungary’s border with Austria on 27 June 1989. This let many East Germans travel to the West.

More and more people in East Germany spoke out for freedom. This led to huge protests. On 9 November 1989, the Berlin Wall fell. This allowed East Germans to visit the West. By March 1990, elections were held. On 3 October 1990, the two Germanys reunited.

Soviet policy toward the Eastern Bloc

In the late 1980s, the Soviet Union changed how it treated countries in the Eastern Bloc. Under Mikhail Gorbachev, the Soviet Union decided not to use force to stop uprisings. Gorbachev introduced policies called glasnost (openness) and perestroika (economic restructuring). These policies let countries in the Warsaw Pact make their own changes.

On 26 October 1989, Gorbachev said the Soviet Union would not get involved in the internal matters of its neighbors in Eastern Europe. This idea was called the Sinatra Doctrine. Each country could now choose its own path. This gave hope to people in East Germany and other countries, leading to big changes and protests.

Economy of East Germany

East Germany had a stronger economy than other Eastern Bloc countries and was the most successful of the CMEA countries. It traded a lot with the Soviet Union and was its most important partner, even though it was still under control. The country sold technology and had strong ties with West Germany because of shared language and culture.

By the late 1980s, the economy was having trouble. Growth slowed, and the country faced competition and poor quality in its products. The government spent a lot of money to support basic goods like housing and food. Environmental issues were also a big problem, with polluted rivers, lakes, and forests. This led to protests and added to the unrest during the Peaceful Revolution.

Electoral fraud in the GDR

Main article: 1989 East German local elections

In the GDR, elections did not give people real choices. People were asked to approve one list of candidates chosen by the government. Almost everyone had always approved this list, but in 1989, many people were unhappy. Before the election on May 7, 1989, some people tried to not vote and spoke out against the government.

After the election, it was shown that the results were not true. Many voters had rejected the list, and many had not voted at all. When people learned this, they began to protest, asking for fair elections. These protests grew and happened every month in Berlin’s Alexanderplatz.

Gaps in the Iron Curtain

The Soviet Union and its allies had strict rules to stop people from traveling to the West. Many people tried to leave East Germany before the Berlin Wall was built in 1961. After that, leaving legally was very hard. Some people tried to escape through other countries like Bulgaria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, but many were caught.

In 1989, Hungary began tearing down its fence with Austria. This gave East Germans hope to reach the West. On August 19, 1989, a special picnic called the Pan-European Picnic was held near the Austrian border. Hundreds of East Germans crossed the border peacefully. This showed that the government would not stop people from leaving. Soon after, Hungary let all East Germans cross the border freely. Many went to Czechoslovakia, which also opened its borders. These changes helped many East Germans travel to West Germany on special trains called “Freedom Trains.”

As people gained new freedoms, opposition groups formed in East Germany. The largest was called the New Forum, which gained support quickly. Other groups like Democratic Awakening, United Left, and the Socialist Democratic Party also formed, seeking more democracy and change.

Decisive events of 1989

Tiananmen Square protests

East Germans saw news about the Tiananmen Square democracy demonstration on television. This event inspired East German protesters who wanted change and fair elections.

40th anniversary of GDR

Celebrations for the 40th anniversary of the founding of the GDR were disrupted by many protests. People wanted freedom and change, showing their desire for a new way forward.

Weekly demonstrations

Regular weekly protests for democracy began in towns and cities across East Germany. These "Monday demonstrations" started in Leipzig and spread everywhere. Protesters wanted open borders, better rights, and a say in how their country was run.

Ruling party starts to lose power

Erich Honecker, the leader of East Germany, was replaced by Egon Krenz due to growing protests and demands for change. Many people left the ruling party, showing their dissatisfaction with the government.

Fall of the Berlin Wall and border opening

As more East Germans travelled freely through borders opened by Hungary and Czechoslovakia, the East German government could no longer stop people from leaving. On 9 November 1989, an official announced that East Germans could travel freely through the Berlin Wall. Soon after, people gathered at border crossings, and the borders were opened. Many East Germans crossed into West Germany, beginning a new chapter in their lives.

Main articles: Fall of the Berlin Wall and Fall of the inner German border

Die Wende

Die Wende means "the turn" or "the turning point". The word started being used for the Peaceful Revolution on October 16, 1989, in a magazine called Der Spiegel. Later, on October 18, the last communist leader, Egon Krenz, used it in a speech in East Germany.