How did events in 1989 lead to such a sudden opening of the Berlin Wall? Flashcards
(37 cards)
What had Honecker proclaimed in 1989 about the wall?
He proclaimed that the Berlin Wall would stand for another 50 or even 100 years.
What was project ‘High Tech Wall 2000’?
It planned to computerize the surveillance of the Wall and these plans were pursued with vigor throughout 1989 despite the spiraling costs and deficiencies of the technology.
What was the objective of the project ‘High Tech Wall 2000’?
To prevent all escapes while minimizing the border deaths that damaged the GDR’s international reputation.
Why this not very useful?
This is because East German’s in Hungary took advantage to the newly opened border with Austria to escape to the West
What was this action called?
Holidaying
When Honecker visited in October what did he urge Honecker to follow?
He urged him to follow the soviet example and allow controlled reform
Did Honecker follow this? What happened?
He refused to compromise and his refusal mean he was finally removed from power
Who was Honecker replaced by?
Politburo member Egon Krenz
What did Egon Krenz introduce?
Limited reforms
What started to change about Hungary?
They had began to introduce reforms such as allowing different political parties to stand in elections and participate in the government
Why was this a major worry for the SED?
This is because Hungary shared a land border with the GDR and was meant to be a loyal ally. It was also a favoured holiday destination for East German’s who could now be exposed to and influenced by the changes and reforms being made in another communist state
What happened on the 2nd May 1989?
Hungary began to dismantle its border with Austria. The SED didn’t anticipate that it’s citizens use this opportunity to travel via Hungary into Austria. Crossing this border was still illegal but no one was arrested.
How many East German’s had done this by the summer?
30,000 and they claimed a WG passport when they entered Austria
What happened when these EG’s got to west?
They were warmly received and often were given employment and housing. This encouraged more to emigrate
What happened on the 11th of September in Hungary?
The Hungarian government lifted all restrictions on EG’s crossing the border
What was different about Austria?
It was a neutral state as it wasn’t part of NATO or the Warsaw Pact
How many people had left from January to November 1989?
Over 250,000 EG’s had left either illegally or with permission
What was wrong with the people who were leaving?
They were exactly the people the GDR needed as they were well qualified, many in professions in demand such as medicine
Who arrived in the GDR on the 6th October 1989?
Gorbachev
What was the purpose of Gorbachev’s visit?
To somewhat reluctantly take part in the celebrations of the GDR’s 40th anniversary. He was given an enthusiastic welcome compared to Honecker
What was the difference between Gorbachev and Honecker?
They contrasted each other as Gorbachev to the more fresh and dynamic approach whereas Honecker was more rigid and inflexible.
What protest was taken out?
70,000 people gathered outside of Liepzig’s St Nikolai Church to protest against the SED. They were exceptionally careful to maintain a peaceful front as they didn’t doubt Honecker’s willingness to attack peaceful demonstrator’s
What did this protest show?
Showed that the leadership within the SED was failing and it was apparent to many that the SED’s time was limited.
What was seen with Honecker throughout October 1989?
That the 77-year-old displayed a complete incapability to control events
