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Resignation of the East German Cabinet following rallies in many
cities calling for free elections and the abolition of the Communist
monopoly on power and calls from within the Party for major changes
at the highest level. The move is followed the next day by the joint
resignation of the ruling Politburo.
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Opening of the Berlin Wall. In an atmosphere of political uncertainty
and a crisis of authority in East Berlin, East and West Berliners
tear down the wall and celebrate the beginning of the process of
unification. Following widespread demonstrations and demand for
political reform, the government of the German Democratic Republic
announces the lifting of travel restrictions to the West and sets
up new crossing points.
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Removal of Todor Zhivkov, Bulgarian Communist Party leader since
1954, followed by further sweeping changes in the party leadership.
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East German Parliament elects Hans Modrow as Prime Minister. Portugal
and Spain sign the Treaty of Accession to the Western European Union.
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Violent dispersal of Prague student demonstrations triggers popular
movement against the government. Emergence of Civic Forum, led by
Vaclav Havel.
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Mass demonstrations in Leipzig voice popular call for German unification.
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Resignation of the Czechoslovak Party leadership. Karel Urbanek
becomes General Secretary and invites dialogue with Civic Forum.
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