The Reunification of Germany

The plan for reunifying two Germanys — the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) — was announced on November 28th, 1989. This was a complex and momentous event in twentieth-century German history. The citizens of both East and West Germany welcomed the decision to reunite with enthusiasm and optimism. The reunification process was an unpredictable one, as it relied on many factors that would not have been predicted in 1989.

The dramatic events leading up to German reunification and the implementation of the plan began in June 1989, when Hungary announced it would drop its border restrictions. This decision encouraged people in East Germany who had been trying to escape to the West to flee the East in the thousands. However, the East German government responded with violent suppression of the demonstrators and those trying to flee.

In November 1989, West German chancellor Helmut Kohl, with the backing of the United States and Great Britain, laid out a 10-point plan for German reunification. This plan included: free elections, a free market economy, a free press and the dissolution of both state security and government-controlled newspapers, and a new constitutional framework for the unified Germany. The plan was officially implemented in the spring of 1990.

Prior to the reunification announcement, there was much debate between East and West Germany about the form that the unified country should take. East Germany wanted the Federal Republic of Germany to become a socialist state similar to their own, while West Germany wanted to maintain their existing democratic government and economic system. In the end, a compromise was reached between the two governments, allowing East Germany to join the Federal Republic while having a distinct socialist flavor.

Once the plan for reunification was decided upon, it was quickly implemented. East and West Germany re-established diplomatic relations in December 1989, and elected their first unified parliament in March 1990. In the same month, a new unified currency, the Deutsche Mark, was adopted. This was followed by celebrations and a nationwide campaign of thanksgiving. The final steps of reunification were completed on October 3rd 1990, as East and West Germany were both declared to be members of NATO and the European Community.
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The reunification of Germany was unprecedented in modern history, and it affected Europe on a huge scale. It changed the way that countries interact with each other in a positive way, and improved the relationship between East and West Germany. The reunification process has also changed the internal workings of Germany as a whole, as it brought together diverse cultures and viewpoints that had been divided by the Berlin Wall for so many years.

The reunification of Germany is a huge step forward for the entire country, and demonstrates the strength and resilience of the German people. It is a symbol of hope and change for all those who were affected by the division between East and West. The reunification of Germany will continue to shape the country and the world for decades to come.

The reunification of Germany is an event that will remain in history books. It was an unforgettable event that affected the course of European history and changed the way countries interact with each other. This momentous event also changed the face of Germany forever.
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