A time to speak out : the Leipzig citizen protests and the fall of East Germany
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Bibliographic Information
A time to speak out : the Leipzig citizen protests and the fall of East Germany
Praeger, 2000
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Note
Bibliography: p. [187]-194
Includes index
Description and Table of Contents
Description
Among the surprising events in Eastern Europe in 1989, none astonished the world more than the nonviolent overthrow of the East German Communist regime. This book examines the collapse of East Germany as it unfolded in one city, Leipzig. Analyzing the leading role of the GDR's second largest city, Bartee combines chronological and descriptive narration of events with an in-depth critique of leading actors and groups. Prominent among these are the Protestant churches and the array of opposition groups concerned for peace, freedom, human rights, justice, and the environment.
Bartee focuses in particular on the famous peace prayer services in St. Nicholas Church and the protest activities of the groups as they expanded into the mass demonstrations of late 1989. Using surveys and interviews with participants, as well as Leipzig archives, this study examines the motivations and methods of the demonstrators. Bartee concludes that, while the prayer services provided hope, inspiration, and information, the strong desire for a free, open society served as the group's chief motivation.
Table of Contents
Foreword by Uwe Schwabe
Preface
We Are the People!
The GDR: A "House without Doors and Windows" and its Guardians
"To Hope or to Give Up": The Churches and the Dissidents
Mosquitoes in the Air: The Church-Related Alternative Groups in Leipzig
"Not a Spirit of Fear, But of Power and Love and Self-Control": The Peace Prayer Meetings at St. Nicholas Church
"Time to Voice our Convictions Bravely and Openly": The Mass Demonstrations in Leipzig
Conclusions
Appendix
Selected Bibliography
Index
by "Nielsen BookData"