Peaceful Revolution

The Peaceful Revolution (German: Friedliche Revolution) – also called Die Wende ("the turning point") – was one of the peaceful revolutions of 1989 at the peak of the collapse of the Eastern Bloc in the late 1980s. It was a process of sociopolitical change that led to the opening of East Germany's borders to the Western world.

These events were influenced by Solidarity's peaceful revolution in Poland and enabled by Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev's decision to abandon intervention in the Soviet sphere of influence. In East Germany—the former German Democratic Republic (GDR or DDR)—the peaceful revolution marked the end of the ruling by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) in 1989 and the transition to a parliamentary system. This peaceful transition later enabled the German reunification in October 1990.

The GDR's lack of competitiveness in the global market economy, as well as its sharply rising national debt, hastened the destabilization of the SED's one-party state, similar to what happened in other Eastern Bloc countries. The revolution was marked by nonviolent initiatives and demonstrations.

Reunification

Because of its hostile response to reforms in other socialist countries, the leadership of East Germany was already isolated when it allowed the opening of the border at the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989. Through changes in leadership and a willingness to negotiate, the East German government tried to regain control, but the situation was largely managed 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 discussions with opposition groups. This led to the dissolution of the secret police, known as the Stasi, and preparations for free elections. After elections, the path to German reunification became clear, and East German citizens welcomed the chance to reunite after 40 years of separation.

Timeline

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

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

Soviet policy toward the Eastern Bloc

A major change in how the Soviet Union treated countries in the Eastern Bloc happened in the late 1980s under Mikhail Gorbachev. Unlike past times when uprisings were stopped by force, Gorbachev decided not to interfere. He introduced policies called glasnost (openness) and perestroika (economic restructuring), allowing countries like those in the Warsaw Pact to make their own changes.

Gorbachev clearly stated on 26 October 1989 that the Soviet Union would not get involved in the internal matters of its neighbors in Eastern Europe. This idea was called the Sinatra Doctrine, named after a song, meaning each country could choose its own path. This new policy gave hope to people in East Germany and other countries, leading to big changes and protests against their governments.

Economy of East Germany

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

By the late 1980s, the economy was struggling. Growth had slowed, and the country faced competition and poor quality in its products. The government spent a lot of money supporting basic goods like housing and food. Environmental issues were also a big problem, with polluted rivers, lakes, and forests, which 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 offer real choices. People were asked to approve a single 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 boycott the vote and spoke out against the government.

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

Gaps in the Iron Curtain

The Soviet Union and its Eastern Bloc allies had strict rules to stop their citizens 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 possible but difficult. Some people tried to escape illegally through other Eastern Bloc countries like Bulgaria, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia, but many were caught.

In 1989, Hungary began tearing down its border fence with Austria. This gave East Germans new 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 event showed that the East German government and the Soviet Union would not stop people from leaving. Soon after, Hungary allowed all East Germans to cross the border freely. Many travelled to Czechoslovakia, which also opened its borders. These changes led to many East Germans leaving for West Germany in special trains called “Freedom Trains.”

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

Decisive events of 1989

Tiananmen Square protests

East Germans saw news about the Tiananmen Square democracy demonstration on West German television. This event inspired East German protesters who were demanding 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 demanded freedom and change, showing their desire for a new way forward.

Weekly demonstrations

Regular weekly protests calling 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, collecting "Welcome Money" and 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.