The End of the GDR

After the heady events of the previous day, the 10th of November is one of growing tension.
The Soviets are concerned that their facilities or even their troops might be attacked and they request that "prudence prevails".
The West German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl, who is speaking in Berlin, calls for calm and reason.
Moscow does not obstruct developments and all 350,000 Soviet troops in East Germany stay in their barracks.



West German Chancellor, Helmut Kohl standing with his wife in front of the Schöneberg Town Hall........he calls for calm and reason
Hans-Dietrich Genscher, Foreign Minister is LHS, Richard von Weizsäcker the German president is RHS

On the 11th November the thicker anti-tank wall in front of the Brandenburg Gate has been 'occupied' for over 30 hours.
When West Berliners pull down a nearby section of the wall, nervousness grows in the East.
It is planned to bring 10,000 elite troops to clear the area. Fortunately, the plan is rethought and with cooperation from the West Berlin police, the anti-tank wall is cleared and the approaches blocked.
The East Germans repair the damaged section of the wall.........the last repair!



East German border guards on top of the anti-tank wall in front of the Brandenburg Gate
The thickness of this specially strengthened wall can clearly be seen

Emigration to the West continues to grow and pressure on the East German government increases.
Demonstrators are shouting the slogan.....Wir sind ein Volk"......We are one people.
The structures of the governing party begin to crumble and the leadership is forced to agree to free elections.
The Soviet Union is, at first, opposed to German reunification but in January 1990 Mikhail Gorbachev gives the 'green light'.



The protest banners now demand reunification

The elections of 18th March 1990 initiate a fast track approach to German reunification.
A treaty for economic, monetary and social union between the two Germanys is signed on the 21st June 1990.......East Germany adopts the DM currency.

In July 1990, the borders are officially abandoned.



Old structures are put to new uses.........a watch tower becomes an advertising board for a snack bar.

In September the Four Powers (the occupying forces) agree to leave Germany and the position of Germany's borders are confirmed.
On October 3rd 1990 the process of unification is officially concluded and East Germany ceases to exist.



Crowds in front of the Reichstag on the 3rd October 1990........now Germany's national holiday..............Tag der Deutschen Einheit

For the first time since the end of WW2, Germany is one country.