SEM 7: Unification or Reunification? The events of 1989-1990

May 1989: Opening of the Hungarian Border

HUN dismantled its border fence with AUS, allowing E GER to flee West, creating a refugee crisis and undermining E GER government.

September 1989: Leipzig Demonstrations

E GER organized weekly protests, especially in Leipzig, calling for democratic reforms and freedom, known as 'Monday Demonstrations'.

October 1989: Erich Honecker’s Resignation

Honecker was forced to resign amid increasing public pressure and lack of Soviet support, replaced by Egon Krenz.

November 9, 1989: Fall of the Berlin Wall

East Berliners stormed border crossings, forcing guards to open the Berlin Wall, symbolizing the collapse of E GER control.

March 18, 1990: First Free Elections in East Germany

CDU won decisively, reflecting that E GER overwhelmingly favored unity with W GER.

July 1, 1990: Economic and Monetary Union

Introduction of the Deutsche Mark in E GER and W GER's economic takeover, crucial for integrating economies.

August 23, 1990: East Germany Votes for Accession

E GER parliament voted to join FRG under Article 23 of W GER Basic Law.

October 3, 1990: Official Reunification

GDR ceased to exist, its 5 eastern states joined FRG, reuniting Germany under W GER's legal framework.

West GER Chancellor Helmut Kohl

Advocated for paid reunification, presented a '10-point plan' for step-by-step unity.

Egon Krenz

Became head of E GER after Honecker's resignation but failed to prevent the collapse of the regime.

Mikhail Gorbachev

SU leader whose reforms allowed for greater autonomy in Eastern Europe, crucial for reunification.

GW Bush

US President who strongly supported German reunification and encouraged EU allies to accept it.

Honecker's Fall

Pressure from SU and West led to Honecker's loss of power amidst the collapse of E GER.

2+4 Agreement

Treaty allowing reunification of Germany, negotiated between FRG, GDR, and the four occupying powers.

Potsdam Agreement

Negotiated in 1945, renounced foreign rights in Germany, creating a sovereign state post-reunification.

Germany and NATO

Under the 2+4 Agreement, reunified Germany was allowed to inherit W GER's seats in NATO.

GER-POL Border Treaty

Settled issues of the German-Polish border as inviolable and waived future territorial claims.

Unification Treaty

Signed between W & E GER in August 1990, extending the basic law for reunification.

Helsinki Final Act

Established a framework for cooperation between Eastern and Western Europe.

Economic Integration Plan

West Germany's commitment to absorb East Germany's economy post reunification.

Deutsche Mark Introduction

Currency unification in East Germany on July 1, 1990, aiding political unification.

Diplomatic Negotiations

Kohl's efforts secured Gorbachev's approval and allied support for German reunification.

Two Plus Four Talks

Negotiations with East Germany and four powers to finalize reunification's external aspects.

Article 23 of the Basic Law

Used to allow East German states to join the Federal Republic of Germany.

Social and Political Unification

Although legally a reunification, socially and politically akin to a unification due to differing developments.

Thatcher's Opposition

UK Prime Minister opposed reunification due to fears about Germany’s national character.

Mitterrand's Adaptation

French President adapted views on reunification, supporting the idea of managing a united Germany.

Domestic Opposition

Emerging groups in East Germany expressed anti-German sentiments, fearing nationalism.

Ethnic Minorities in East Germany

Rising xenophobia and violence in East Germany, particularly against ethnic minorities.

Feminist Concerns

Feminist groups worried that reunification would reverse progress on women's rights in East Germany.

Economic Collapse of GDR

A significant factor leading to strong public support for reunification in East Germany.

Kohl's Diplomatic Success

Secured key agreements from both Soviet and Western leaders to facilitate reunification.

U.S. Backing

U.S. support for reunification ensured international acceptance without major conflict.

Legal Framework for Unification

Utilized existing laws and structures in West Germany to allow a rapid and smooth reunification.

Kohl's Cautious Approach

Initially cautious about promoting rapid reunification due to fears of Soviet resistance.

Initial Encouragement of Reform

Kohl hoped for internal change within East Germany before promoting reunification.

10-Point Plan

Kohl's proposal outlining a gradual cooperation path for unity between East and West Germany.

Shift to Immediate Unification

After the Berlin Wall fall, West Germany pushed for faster reunification amid economic distress.

Political Changes Triggered

Fall of the Wall led to swift political upheaval in East Germany, collapsing the communist regime.