The unification process in Germany : from dictatorship to democracy

Author(s)

• Glaessner, Gert-Joachim

Bibliographic Information

The unification process in Germany : from dictatorship to democracy

Gert-Joachim Glaessner ; translated from the German by Colin B. Grant

（The new Germany series）

Pinter, 1992

Note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description and Table of Contents

Description

The position of Germany following unification has initiated much debate about its future role as a superpower whilst acknowledging the internal difficulties which lie ahead for the former East German states. In order to appreciate the present difficulties, it is crucial to understand the context. Focussing on both the former Federal Republic and the former GDR, the author analyzes major aspects of the unification process. German-German relations during the 1980s are examined using previously inaccessible archival material from the GDR as well as in-depth interviews with top politicians, including Krenz and Schabowski. The unification process itself is discussed, with particular emphasis on an analysis of the elections, the unification treaty and transitional government structures. Finally, the author considers the European dimensions to unification and the future prospects for Germany. Particular account is taken of the adjustments required with the old Federal Republic to incorporate the new lander.

Table of Contents

• Part 1 Deutschlandpolitik and the aim of reunification: the aims of Deutschlandpolitik
• contradictions between the theory and practice
• the contradictions and limitations of Deutschlandpolitik
• German unity as an objective of the Basic Law
• the European dimension of German unity. Part 2 Structural defects of "real socialism" - causes and antecedents of the crisis. Part 3 The collapse of the old system: prelude to the crisis
• the end of the Honecker era
• the end of a state party. Part 4 Dual rule: the GDR before the election
• the role of the Volkskammer and the Modrow government
• the round table
• the "government of national responsibility". Part 5 Transition to democracy: "We are the people" - the citizens movements
• forming a democratic party system
• new parties and electoral alliances
• elections and voting behaviour. Part 6 Political controversy at home: the controversies surrounding the new East German constitution
• the State Treaty on currency, economic and social union
• the unification treaty. Part 7 Political culture in transition - a new society and its heritage: authoritarian political culture
• the Leninist heritage
• the federal republic as a model. Part 8 Revolt and resignation - the painful farewell to socialism.

by "Nielsen BookData"

Details

• NCID: BA1834121X
• ISBN:
  • 1855670151
• Country Code: uk
• Title Language Code: eng
• Text Language Code: eng
• Original Language Code: ger
• Place of Publication: London
• Pages/Volumes: viii, 248 p.
• Size: 23 cm
• Classification:
  • LCC : DD290.25
  • DC20 : 943.087/9
• Subject Headings:
  • LCSH : Germany -- History -- Unification, 1990
• Parent Bibliography ID:
  • BA18341402