How did events in 1989 lead to the sudden opening of the Berlin Wall?

During the 1980s the Hungarian government had begun to introduce reforms, such as allowing mulit-party elections.

On 2nd May 1989, Hungary dismantle its border with Austria by the summer 30,000 crossed the Hungarian border to Austria and legally claimed an FRG passport once in Austria. The offers of housing and employment only encouraged more people.

On 11th September, Hungary lifted all restriction on East Germans crossing the border. 

SED response: 

tried to limit the exodus of people leaving by closing the border with czechoslovakia and restricting travel to Poland in early October.

Hocecker labelled the emigrants counter-revolutionaries and allowed them exit visas, putting them on a sealed train from Poland to Czechoslovakia and onto the FRG through the GDR. 

- People then tried to get on the train at Dresden and it caused total embarrassment.

Between January and November 1989, 200,000 people had left the GDR - 75% being under 40.

Mass emigration became a catalyst for protest and new protest groups were established and more active than ever before. 'Democracy Now' consisting of Intellectuals and 'New Forum' which was rather more broad.

THESE GROUPS MAINLY CALLED FOR REFORM RATHER THAN REUNIFICATION.

From March 1989, small groups gathered outside St Nikolai church in Leipzig, by September this was 5,000 and 20,000 by October. The same began to appear in Dresden and Berlin.

Honecker had begun to be opposed by younger members of the party wanting to reform, due to his incapacitation due to a gall bladder operation and the fact that he returned to open debate within the SED. - BROUGHT GOVERNMENT TO A STANDSTILL.

Celebration used to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the GDR was undermined by the crowds shouting 'Gorby', the parade was a military one and the most loyal citizens had been chosen.

The celebrations were gatecrashed by 700 people who were arrested.

Gorbachev ordered Honecker to implement Soviet style reforms, but Honecker remained stubborn and blamed western provocation.

Brezhnev insisted that with the removal of the Brezhnev doctrine, he wouldn't be able to supress rebellion (Gorbachev did this to save money as well as ethical reasons)

Gorbachev argued 'trying to get through to Honecker is like throwing peas at a wall.'

After Gorbachev left, 70,000 people gathered outside Leizig's St Nikolai's church to protest, armed forces and stasi units waited at the demonstration.

Many were nervous of the violence due to Tiananmen Square syndrome (Honecker had condoned this). Violence was avoided as some combat groups had resigned from SED and the protestors remained peaceful and chanted 'no violence' = humiliation. 

Refused dialogue with protestors and allowed Stasi plans for mass arrests. 

Hard-line approach and indecisiveness meant Politburo members wanted him gone.

Krenz, Head of Security, was a major player along with Schabowski.

Together they released a statement discussing the political crisis and retracting condemnation of emigrants.

Honecker found out and requested help from Gorbachev who decided it was an internal matter.

He was forced to resign on 17th October as he had no support.

[Honecker actually voted for his own removal, and was allowed to use health reasons as a reason for his resignation.] - only 3 weeks left.

Removed Mielke, Margot Honecker and Mittag as reform.

He was little more than a copy of Honecker e.g. had also supported Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Krenz relaxed some travel restrictions and met with the church, but also stepped up anti-FRG propaganda.

Demonstration of 1 million people took place on 4th November at AlexanderPlazt.

Shabowski (newly in charge of media) attempted to make it look like his own SED version of reform but he was drowned out by the crowd's whistles and jeers.

2 days later, 500,000 people marched through Leipzig. People began chanting for 'Germany-one Fatherland!' MAJOR TURNING POINT

Krenz was forced to make concessions by Czechoslovakia who was concerned about the instability of the GDR spreading from border crossers. (It had opened its border to West)

Between 6th and 9th Krenz had promised visas and passports for all East Germans - hoped in an orderly manner.

This would be announed on 9th November.

The whole politburo had resigned on 9th November.

On the evening of 9th November, Schabowski stumbled in an interview as he read a piece of paper assigned by Krenz but not previously read. (Laid out permissions for private journeys abroad, with no reason or notice.) He then overlooked the key part which said this would begin on 10th November, he then said it would come into force immediately. 

Within an hour, Berliners streamed from both sides. Border guards began to let a few at a time, they were as surprised as everyone as they weren't given clear instructions. 

At Brandenburg Gate young people climbed and dance on top of the wall. Checkpoint Charlie was opened at 11p.m. 

At two minutes past midnight, the GDR police announced that all crossings were open, the wall had fallen.