Compare how international events affected the responses of East Germany’s and China’s governments to the protests of 1989.(1 point)

Question

Responses

The protests in East Germany in 1989 were part of a larger trend of successes in anti-communist activism in neighboring countries, making it harder for the government to continue to deny citizens’ civil rights. China was more isolated from this larger trend so its government was able to assert firmer control over protests.
The protests in East Germany in 1989 were part of a larger trend of successes in anti-communist activism in neighboring countries, making it harder for the government to continue to deny citizens’ civil rights. China was more isolated from this larger trend so its government was able to assert firmer control over protests.

East Germany was isolated from the more general trend of collapsing communist rule that was occurring in 1989, giving its government a greater ability to crack down on protesters. In China, the government’s decision to grant greater civil liberties in the wake of the 1989 protests was heavily influenced by the success of anti-communism in many of its neighboring countries.
East Germany was isolated from the more general trend of collapsing communist rule that was occurring in 1989, giving its government a greater ability to crack down on protesters. In China, the government’s decision to grant greater civil liberties in the wake of the 1989 protests was heavily influenced by the success of anti-communism in many of its neighboring countries.

The governments of both East Germany and China curtailed civil liberties and became less democratic following the protests of 1989, making both countries exceptions to the larger global trend of collapsing communist rule.
The governments of both East Germany and China curtailed civil liberties and became less democratic following the protests of 1989, making both countries exceptions to the larger global trend of collapsing communist rule.

Both East Germany and China were part of a larger global trend of collapsing communist rule that led their governments to embrace greater civil liberties and democracy after the protests of 1989.

Answer 1

The responses of East Germany and China to the protests of 1989 can be understood in the context of how international events influenced their actions.

In East Germany, the protests were part of a broader wave of anti-communist sentiment sweeping through Eastern Europe, with countries like Poland and Hungary experiencing significant political changes. This external influence made it increasingly difficult for the East German government to justify its repressive measures, leading to a more significant public outcry for civil rights and, ultimately, the fall of the Berlin Wall. The pressure from neighboring countries and a growing perception of an inevitable collapse of the communist regime motivated the East German government to allow for some degree of reform and eventual reunification with West Germany.

In contrast, China's response was shaped by its relative isolation from this broader trend of reforms in Eastern Europe. While there were protests in China, particularly at Tiananmen Square, the Chinese government was able to maintain a firmer grip on power, enforcing a harsh crackdown despite the global wave of democratization. This isolation allowed the Chinese leadership to disregard the international call for reforms, instead reaffirming its commitment to maintaining strict control and limiting civil liberties.

In summary, East Germany's response was influenced by its proximity to successful anti-communist movements and a resultant pressure for reform, while China's isolation allowed it to respond with repression, despite the global context urging democratization.