Question

Briefly discuss the events that led to the end of Commission in East Germany. 

Answer 1

The fall of the Berlin wall was just a tipping point in the disintegration of the USSR. It marked an important point in history with some scholars declaring it as the end of communism. Following events are the precursor to the fall of Berlin wall or end of communism in East Germany :
Sudden change in the structure of economy proposed by Gorbachev, which created a shock to an existing structure and notwithstanding change, it led to the eventual collapse of communist economies.

Gorbachev’s policy of freedom of expression: This led to discontent being expressed freely, finally leading to a strong protest against the communist economy. Example- A group called New Forum was formed in East Germany, which pressed for reforms in East Germany.

Gorbachev’s policy of more power to states: This led to states like Hungary opening its borders to its western neighbors eventually leading to east Germans flocking in numbers to other western countries in search of jobs and livelihood.

The above events combined led to the eventual fall of the Berlin wall; when a group of 5,00,000 protestors gathered and marched towards the Berlin wall leading to its fall. The consequences of such a fall has been phenomenal. East Germany having cheap labor and non-competitive industries lead its citizens to move in other economies in search of jobs and strengthen of industries in West Germany as they are more competitive. Moreover, generations that witnessed such fall continue to dominate the thinking and polity of Germany, in which more liberal western express multiculturalism whereas east Germans continue to be dominated by conservatives. But both Germany in regret of nazism that existed there, try to accommodate all cultures and peoples in its economy and society.