Original scientific paper
https://doi.org/10.15516/cje.v23i3.4469
A (Peaceful) Revolution, Refolution, or a Turning Point? The Fall of the Berlin Wall as a Cause of Terminological Turmoil
Damir Velički
; Faculty of Teacher Education University of Zagreb Savska cesta 77, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
Abstract
In recent German history, several events unfolded on 9 November with far-reaching
consequences. Some of them, like the fall of the Berlin Wall, symbolize the end of the
Cold War and of Germany divided. In addition to political implications, the fall of
the Berlin Wall, or the events that preceded and followed it, also caused dilemmas on
whether it was a (peaceful) revolution, (just) a turning point, or a refolution – pressure
from below and reforms from above. The paper analyses events prior to and following
the fall of the Berlin Wall, as well as the terms used for them in basic programs of the
parties represented in the 19th electoral term of the Bundestag and the curricula of
different school subjects in German states. It is concluded these parties use different
terms for the events of 1989/90 on the territory of the former GDR, in accordance
with their ideological positions, and that the events are inconsistently described in
the curricula. The character of events was a revolutionary one, as they thoroughly
changed the social and political relations in the GDR in a very short time. Despite
this, the phrase “peaceful revolution” is still not present in the German language as a
widespread, general term, but the rather vague “turning point” or “reversal” is more
common.
Keywords
curriculum; Germany; history; parties; reunification
Hrčak ID:
266845
URI
Publication date:
17.11.2021.
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