gdr reunification

causes

Economic Decline in the GDR Poor living standards, failing economy, lack of consumer goods.

Mass Emigration Over 100,000 East Germans fled to the West via Hungary and Czechoslovakia in 1989.

Protest Movements Peaceful protests in cities like Leipzig (e.g., Monday Demonstrations).

Collapse of the Berlin Wall 9 November 1989 — Wall opened due to mounting pressure and confusion within the regime.

International Factors Soviet reforms under Gorbachev (Glasnost, Perestroika); reduced Soviet intervention.

Political Change in the GDR Resignation of Erich Honecker (October 1989); reforms attempted but failed to satisfy the public.

Helmut Kohl’s 10-Point Plan FRG Chancellor Kohl proposed steps towards reunification.

timeline

October 1989 Mass protests; Honecker resigns; Egon Krenz becomes leader.

9 November 1989 Berlin Wall opened — symbolically ends division.

March 1990 First free elections in the GDR; victory for pro-unification parties.

July 1990 Economic and currency union between GDR and FRG.

3 October 1990 Formal reunification; GDR ceases to exist.

consequences for gdr

✔ End of SED rule and socialist economy.

✔ Integration into capitalist, democratic FRG system.

✔ High unemployment and economic disruption in former GDR.

✔ Massive financial support from FRG to modernise East ("Solidarity Pact").

✔ "Ostalgie" — nostalgia for aspects of life in the GDR among some East Germans.

consequences for frg

✔ Achieved long-term goal of reunification.

✔ Economic burden of integrating the East (infrastructure, welfare, employment).

✔ Increased international status of Germany as unified, democratic nation

international reactions

Soviet Union Initially cautious, eventually accepted reunification.

USA, UK, France Supported reunification with conditions (e.g., NATO membership).

NATO Unified Germany allowed to remain part of NATO.

European Neighbours Concern about German dominance but general acceptance.

significance

✔ Symbolic and literal end of the GDR as a separate state.

✔ End of the Cold War division of Europe.

✔ Demonstrated the failure of the socialist model in East Germany.

✔ Reunification remains controversial in terms of social and economic integration.