Protest: 4 November, 1989

On 4 November, 1989, East Germans' demands for social change culminated in the Alexanderplatz Demonstration (13). This section highlights the space and place, network of demonstrators, and protest analysis of the event.

Demonstration Network/Communication Model (16)

Elements of Protest Analysis:

To understand the Alexanderplatz Demonstration in depth, analysis of the central elements of protest needs to be undertaken:

• Occupation of Space/ Number of Participants?

  • On November 4th 1989, roughly one-half million East Germans took to the streets and occupied East-Berlin’s central square, the Alexanderplatz (18)

• Expression:

  • Although the Alexanderplatz Demonstration was not the first nor the largest demonstration in East Berlin, it was the first expressly legal protest event (19). Contextually for the German Democratic Republic (GDR, or East Germany) this was an astounding act of protest by its very nature because it challenged hegemonic Communist party rule. The day of 4 November, 1989 began with a march into the square by East Germans who carried signs and posters expressing pro-democratic messages, outrage at the continual Cold War crisis-context in split-Berlin, and desire for socio-political change (20). Over the course of the day, speeches given by organizing artists, political-opposition and religious leaders, as well as students were delivered (21). Crucial to the situation was that the complete protest-event was televised: in its entirety and without editing or censorship by the Stasi (22). As a result, the clear demands for democratic reform of the GDR messaging delivered by speakers directly went to Politburo members whom only days later resigned en masse (23).

• Politics:

  • The political nature of the Alexanderplatz demonstrations was to push for democratic reform within the GDR (24). While multifaceted, the express goal of protestors was to enact a political shift into Democracy and away from Communism. Specifically, surrounding the 27th and 28th articles of the GDR constitution which should have guaranteed free speech/press and peaceful assembly(25). Given the localized context of the Cold War’s front line, contextually East Berliners connected the repressive Communist state to the former Nazi state while also expressing fears of future state repression at the Alexanderplatz demonstrations. However, most significantly, protesters called for “Die Wende:” not revolution but turn around in the political system. Analysis of protest banners and signs shows the intersecting avenues of interest which brought Demonstration attendees to the Alexanderplatz included human rights, political freedoms, anti-war beliefs, and many many others (26).