IBDP Extended Essay: History
Word Count: 4000
Background
In 1942 Germany was at its height controlling most of Europe, and a large part of North Africa, a victory seemed possible. Three years later, on May 7, 1945, Germany surrendered after a horrifying period of bloodshed and destruction. Only another three months later the Potsdam conference was held between the major powers, America, Russia, and Britain, Germany was divided into two East (DDR) and West (BRD). The West (Bundesrepublik) became a democratic federal republic in the western portion of Germany. It played a pivotal role in post-war European recovery, achieving economic prosperity and becoming a key member in Western integration efforts. On the other hand, the DDR was one of many European Soviet satellite states located in the eastern part of Europe. The DDR was known for authoritarian rule, economic hardship, and close alignment with the Soviet Union.
On October 3, 1990, history was made, the German Reunification marked the end of the Cold War era, an end to a period of constant fear of nuclear warfare. The monumental event resulted from domestic pressure, economic concerns, international relations, and the growing idea of self-determination within the Soviet Union.
Mikhail Gorbachev, last leader of the Soviet Union, is a controversial figure who played the key role in the topic of German reunification. Post World War 2, although the Soviets had the second-largest economy, it had many problems from within, such as famine, low living standards, and no access to international trade or affairs, Russia was isolated. Therefore, Gorbachev embedded his transformative policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) within the Soviet Union. By implementing these reforms, Gorbachev established a new era of Soviet foreign policy marked by a willingness to engage with Western leaders and support democratic movements in Eastern Europe. The lack of force by Gorbachev in suppressing the uprisings in Eastern Europe, especially East Germany, opened the path for Germany's peaceful reunification and the end of the Cold War. A lasting legacy of diplomacy and peace, Gorbachev's rationality and vision for a "common European home" had a crucial role in shaping the geopolitical environment of the late 20th century. Ultimately, his actions led to the collapse of the Soviet regime, leading to the independence of 15 satellite states and the end of the Cold War period. However, the collapse of the Soviet Union caused many of the conflicts that we have today, for example the Ukraine war. Therefore the question arises "why did Gorbachev agree to German reunification, what did he hope to achieve"?
To understand the topic and answer the question of "why did Gorbachev agree to German reunification, what did he hope to achieve", we must understand Gorbachev's key policies of Glasnost and Perestroika. Glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) were crucial reform policies introduced by Mikhail Gorbachev in the mid-1980s to address the economic stagnation and political rigidity of the Soviet Union. Glasnost aimed to increase transparency in government institutions and promote freedom of information. To summarise Glasnost's purpose was to include a more Western approach to politics, by adding a voting system for the first time and allowing the people to publicly complain about the system and seek solutions, giving them a voice. On the other hand, perestroika sought to restructure the Soviet economy by incorporating limited market reforms. Although good on paper and for the people, these policies significantly weakened the Soviet grip on Eastern Europe, leading to greater autonomy and democratisation movements within Soviet satellite states. Their implementation directly contributed to the environment that made German reunification possible, as they reduced Cold War tensions, facilitated diplomatic negotiations, and allowed for the peaceful dissolution of the Iron Curtain. Therefore glasnost and perestroika were pivotal in setting the stage for Gorbachev's support of German reunification and transforming the geopolitical landscape of Europe.
Rationale
The Cold War period is one of the most significant periods of modern history. The nuclear arms race and constant threat of a nuclear conflict shaped the lives of all of our parents. Looking at the topic from a German perspective, the topic of German reunification goes beyond its historical and political extent. It marks the end of a period of oppression, suffering, and separated families by the Iron Curtain. In addition, from a German standpoint, the reunification symbolises a sense of pride and accomplishment in overcoming the scars of division and building a stronger, unified nation.
Furthermore, understanding the motivations behind why Gorbachev agreed to German reunification is of significant importance. Understanding his decision offers knowledge of international relations dynamics during the end of the Cold War, the influence of key factors on historical events, and broader implications for European stability and global geopolitics. Lastly, exploring Gorbachev's rationale for supporting reunification offers valuable lessons for modern policymakers dealing with issues of state sovereignty, territorial integrity, and diplomatic negotiations.
Research methodology
Regarding research, a balance between secondary and primary sources was established. During the research, the TOK concept of perspective played a significant value in writing a detailed analysis. During the process, a German was interviewed to gain as much insight as possible. From this collective analysis knowledge from multiple perspectives was gained. In addition multiple books such as "Gorbatschow der Mann und seine Zeit" by William Taubman, Wolfgang Schäuble "Der Vertrag", and Helmut Kohl "Die Deutsche Einheit" were used. These books did not only include biographies, but also insight into political measures, and further sources such as speeches and quotes. Regarding online research, multiple sources were investigated such as JSTOR and the official NATO website. To extract and understand the value of the source and its information an analysis was conducted (OPVCL) for the main sources. This analysis focused on the sources' Origin, Purpose, Values, Content, and Limitations.
Gorbatschow: Der Mann und seine Zeit by William Taubman
The origin of this source is Gorbatschow: Der Mann und seine Zeit by William Taubman, a well-known American historian recognised for his extensive research on Soviet leaders such as Khrushchev and Gorbachev. Published in 2018, the book draws from a wide range of primary and secondary sources to provide a detailed biography of Mikhail Gorbachev, focussing on his leadership during the late Cold War. The value of the origin lies in Taubman's expertise and in-depth analysis, offering deep insights into Gorbachev's motivations and decisions, particularly regarding German reunification. However, as an American author, Taubman's perspective may reflect implicit Western biases, which could limit the objectivity of some interpretations. The purpose of the source is to explore Gorbachev's leadership, decisions, and their global impact, emphasising his role in shaping a new era of East-West relations. This is highly valuable for understanding the geopolitical and diplomatic factors that led to German reunification. However, the purpose might lean toward portraying Gorbachev in a positive light, potentially exaggerating criticisms or internal opposition within the Soviet Union. The content offers critical insights into Gorbachev's policies, especially his engagement with Western leaders, and illustrates the complex balance between reformist values and geopolitical strategy. Whilst this is invaluable for understanding the dynamics of German reunification, it may provide less emphasis on the internal struggles and socio-economic challenges within the USSR that influenced these events.
Wolfgang Schäuble Der Vertrag
The origin of this source is Der Vertrag by Wolfgang Schäuble, a prominent German politician and one of the longest-serving members of parliament. Schäuble held key roles, including Minister of the Interior during the critical period of German reunification, providing firsthand insights into the diplomatic processes and negotiations that led to the reunification of East and West Germany. The value of the origin lies in Schäuble's direct involvement in the political and diplomatic efforts of the time, making it a highly credible source for understanding the strategies, motivations, and negotiations involved. However, as a political figure and a member of the CDU, his perspective may be influenced by political bias, potentially underestimating the challenges or opposition to reunification. The purpose of the source is to document and analyse the complex negotiations that led to reunification, highlighting key interactions between German and Soviet leaders. This is valuable for understanding the political dynamics and economic considerations that shaped the process. However, its purpose might also reflect Schäuble's interest in favourably portraying the CDU's role. The content offers critical insights into the challenges and opportunities faced during reunification negotiations, but it may not fully address the broader societal reactions or internal opposition in both Germanys.
Hermann Wentker Die Deutschen und Gorbatschow. Der Gorbatschow-Diskurs im doppelten Deutschland 1985-1991
The origin of this source is Die Deutschen und Gorbatschow. Der Gorbatschow-Diskurs im doppelten Deutschland 1985-1991 by Hermann Wentker, a respected German historian. The book examines the controversy surrounding Gorbachev in both East and West Germany during the lead-up to reunification. The value of the origin lies in Wentker's detailed analysis of political, social, and media perspectives, offering a detailed understanding of how Gorbachev's policies were received in the divided Germanys. However, as a historian, Wentker's analysis may be influenced by the availability of sources during his time. The purpose of the book is to highlight the contrasting attitudes in East and West Germany toward Gorbachev's reforms, providing valuable insights into the broader public and political responses that shaped the reunification process. A limitation is that the focus on discourse might underplay the direct diplomatic and economic factors involved in the negotiations. The content offers a comprehensive overview of how Gorbachev's image and policies were viewed, emphasising the role of public opinion and political discourse, but it may not focus on the personal motivations of key leaders.
Yannick Burkhardt Michail Gorbatschow und seine Idee von Glasnost und Perestroika
The origin of this source is Michail Gorbatschow und seine Idee von Glasnost und Perestroika by Yannick Burkhardt, a professor with expertise in Soviet history. The book focusses on Gorbachev's transformative policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) and their impact on the Soviet Union and the international community. The value of the origin lies in Burkhardt's detailed analysis of the ideological and economic shifts initiated by Gorbachev. However, as an academic source, it may lack firsthand accounts, relying instead on secondary interpretations. The purpose of the book is to examine how these policies undermined Soviet control over Eastern Europe and led the way for German reunification. This is significant for understanding the internal and external factors that shaped Gorbachev's decision-making. Nonetheless, the book's focus on ideological analysis may limit its understanding of the broader geopolitical dynamics. The content provides valuable insights into Gorbachev's motivations and the implementation of reforms, but it may ignore the resistance and challenges he faced within the USSR.
Michail Gorbatschow Perestroika: Die zweite russische Revolution. Eine neue Politik für Europa und die Welt
The origin of this source is Perestroika: Die zweite russische Revolution. Eine neue Politik für Europa und die Welt by Mikhail Gorbachev himself. This book serves as a primary source, detailing Gorbachev's vision for reforming the Soviet Union through perestroika and fostering a new era of international relations. The value of the origin lies in its direct insights into Gorbachev's thoughts and intentions, making it crucial for understanding the reasoning behind his policies. However, as an autobiographical work, it may present a biased perspective, potentially disregarding the challenges and failures of perestroika. The purpose of the book is to explain Gorbachev's strategies for restructuring the USSR and promoting peace and cooperation in Europe, offering valuable insights into his reasons for supporting German reunification. The content highlights the potential of perestroika, illustrating how it set the stage for the end of the Cold War, but it may provide a limited view of the unintended consequences of these reforms.
Godrom Verlag Michail Gorbatschow. Reden und Aufsätze zu Glasnost und Perestroika
The origin of this source is Michail Gorbatschow. Reden und Aufsätze zu Glasnost und Perestroika, a collection of speeches and essays by Mikhail Gorbachev. This source offers firsthand insights into Gorbachev's policies and intentions, particularly glasnost and perestroika, during his leadership. The value of the origin lies in its direct connection to Gorbachev, allowing for an unfiltered understanding of his perspective. However, the limitation is that it reflects only his own views, potentially overlooking external critiques or opposition. The purpose of the collection is to illustrate Gorbachev's vision for reforming the Soviet Union and improving relations with the West. This is highly valuable for understanding the ideological nature of his decisions, especially his support for German reunification. Despite that, the purpose may also reflect an effort to promote his policies positively. The content provides critical primary evidence of Gorbachev's commitment to political and economic reform but may lack context about the practical challenges of implementation.
Helmut Kohl: Die Deutsche Einheit
The origin of this source is Helmut Kohl: Die Deutsche Einheit, which focusses on the role of Helmut Kohl, the Chancellor of West Germany, in achieving German reunification. The value of the origin lies in its emphasis on Kohl's leadership and strategies, providing detailed insights into the German perspective on reunification. However, as a biographical account, it may lean toward portraying Kohl in a favourable light, potentially ignoring opposing viewpoints. The purpose of the book is to highlight Kohl's vision, political strategy, and diplomatic efforts, particularly his negotiations with Gorbachev and other international leaders. This is valuable for understanding the German side of the reunification process. However, the purpose might also serve as an effort to solidify Kohl's legacy. The content offers critical insights into the complexities of reunification, focussing on Kohl's pivotal role, but it may not fully address the broader societal and economic challenges that accompanied the process.
Articles such as the NATO enlargement article 10 or the JSTOR articles are of the highest value and are vital for this analysis. NATO documents offer insights into the geopolitical context, policy perspectives, and primary sources reflecting Western safety concerns and negotiations. JSTOR provides articles that deliver powerful academic analysis, diverse perspectives, and extensive references. Together, these resources help create a clear and well-structured understanding of the political, security, and theoretical factors of German reunification and Gorbachev's influential role.
Joerg Hofmann, at that time a young university student, went to Berlin on October 3, 1990 and listened to the speeches of Kohl and Gorbachev in front of the Reichstag to witness this historic moment. Interviewing him was a key source in understanding the topic, as he did not only grow up in Germany during the period, therefore had to experience the divide of family and struggle, but also is an eyewitness of the reunification itself. He has private and unique sources such as images, videos, and memories that aren't accessible anywhere else. This primary source does not only strengthen the understanding of the topic from a first-hand perspective, but also includes a cohesive understanding that will focus on emotions, challenges, and information that don't exist anywhere else. This will not only provide firsthand perspectives that add depth to understanding the topic, but will allow personal insights, cultural context, subjective evidence, and diverse viewpoints to be included within the investigation, offering a more comprehensive understanding of German reunification and Gorbachev's role.
Main Body
1. Domestic Pressure and Policies: Glasnost and Perestroika
Mikhail Gorbachev faced significant domestic pressure to reform the Soviet Union's political and economic system due to various factors, including internal discontent, increased demands for freedom, economic weakness and the need to modernise Russia. The Soviet Union operated under a one-party government system, which limited political pluralism and stifled dissent. Gorbachev's policies of glasnost (openness) and perestroika (restructuring) were introduced to address these challenges.
Gorbachev's policy of glasnost aimed to increase transparency in government institutions, promote freedom of information, and public challenging and opinions on political and social issues. Gorbachev aimed to open up the Soviet system, to make it more transparent and to overcome the suppression of information that had characterised the Brezhnev years.
Furthermore, perestroika sought to revive the Soviet economy by incorporating limited market reforms, decentralising economic planning, and allowing for greater autonomy in decision-making at the local level. Perestroika was a comprehensive economic reform programme aimed at restructuring the Soviet economy, introducing market mechanisms, and increasing efficiency.
These policies were intended to modernise Russia and respond to the increased demands for freedom and political reform within the Soviet Union, proactively to avoid the collapse of the system. The introduction of glasnost and perestroika represented a significant departure from the rigid control and centralised planning of the past, visualising Gorbachev's commitment to bringing about fundamental changes in Soviet society and governance. However it is important to note that Gorbachev's liberalisation approach was not supported by everyone within the old system. Yegor Ligachev, a key member of the Communist Party, was one of the most prominent critics of Gorbachev's domestic policies. Ligachev argued that Glasnost undermined party authority and fostered unrest by encouraging public dissent and criticism. He warned that Perestroika risked destabilising socialist principles by introducing market mechanisms into the economy. According to Ligachev, these reforms threatened the stability of the Soviet Union by fuelling nationalist movements within Soviet republics and weakening centralised control. Ligachev's opposition highlights the ideological divides within the party, illustrating the tension between Gorbachev's reformist approach and traditionalists who viewed these policies as a fundamental threat to socialism.
2. Economic Concerns: Economic Crisis and Dissatisfaction
The Soviet Union under Gorbachev faced severe economic challenges, including stagnation, inefficiency, and a deepening crisis that contributed directly to the success of German reunification. With the Soviet economy declining by 6% annually during Gorbachev's rule, the centralised planning system had reached a breaking point, worsened by excessive military spending of $200 billion per year, a shortage of natural resources, and severe corruption. As Gorbachev himself acknowledged, the Soviet system was unable to keep up with the technological developments in the West or meet the changing demands of the Soviet population.
This economic collapse was not isolated but a part of a broader Eastern Bloc crisis, with East Germany facing a similarly unsustainable situation. East Germany, although considered one of the more successful socialist states, became heavily dependent on Soviet aid, especially as it struggled to maintain its standard of living in comparison to West Germany. This dependency, paired with a decline in industrial productivity, consumer goods shortages, and rising dissatisfaction with the regime, made reunification increasingly attractive to both the East German population and the West. The pressure from die Wende was motivated by economic desperation, as citizens increasingly demanded economic stability and prosperity, which they associated with the West.
A comparison with other Eastern Bloc countries further highlights how East Germany's economic situation was crucial in making reunification possible. For example, whilst countries like Poland and Hungary also experienced severe economic crisis and initiated reforms, the relative economic importance of East Germany to the Soviet Union's finances made its collapse significant. The cost of maintaining control over East Germany, with its failing economy, became unsustainable for the Soviet Union, which was already struggling with its own internal crisis. This forced Gorbachev into a position where allowing reunification, although on terms that would secure Soviet security interests, became a reasonable solution. Therefore, the Soviet Union's economic crisis did more than strain the USSR, it made the geopolitical transformation of Europe, including German reunification, a more likely situation. Gorbachev's Perestroika reforms were a recognition of the deep structural failures of the Soviet economy, but they came too late to prevent the collapse of Soviet control over Eastern Europe, making reunification not only possible but, in many ways, inevitable. The economic situation was the key root cause for Gorbachev's action.
3. International Relations: Improving Relations with the West
One of Gorbachev's key objectives was to improve relations with the West, particularly with organisations like NATO, as part of his broader strategy of reform and modernisation. The Soviet Union had been engaged in a geopolitical struggle with the West, marked by the Cold War rivalry. Gorbachev had the goal to de-escalate tensions and forge greater cooperation between the East and the West.
Improving relations with NATO and other Western powers was essential for gaining economic aid, investment, and support for Gorbachev's reform agenda. The idea of reunified Germany played a significant role in this strategy. By signalling a willingness to compromise on the German question, Gorbachev aimed to gain Western support for economic assistance and investment in the Soviet Union, therefore promoting the implementation of his reform policies.
Gorbachev recognised that improved relations with the West were crucial for achieving his broader objectives of modernising and reforming the Soviet Union. By seeking acceptance by NATO and other Western powers, Gorbachev aimed to reduce Cold War tensions, foster greater cooperation on global issues, and create a more stable and secure international environment. The improved relations between the Soviet Union and the West played a crucial role in leading up to the peaceful resolution of the Cold War and the reunification of Germany. Alongside Gorbachev's strategic desire to improve relations with NATO and the West, Gorbachev viewed détente as essential for world peace, and reunifying Germany was seen as a necessary, if difficult, concession to that vision. Gorbachev's perception was that the Soviet Union could only survive by transforming into a more cooperative and less confrontational state. This ideological drive for peace marked a significant shift from previous Soviet leaderships and framed reunification as a step toward broader cooperation with the West.
Gorbachev's willingness to permit reunification wasn't just a tactical response to economic troubles but also a deeply held belief in reshaping Soviet foreign policy. Gorbachev saw reunification as a step in building a more stable international environment, one where ideological competition would be replaced by peaceful coexistence. Whilst many historians blame the economy as the main factor, economic necessity did not solely drive reunification, there was also an ideological dimension to Gorbachev's policies.
Similarly to these views key Soviet figures such as Marshal Dmitry Yazov, the Soviet Minister of Defence, argued that allowing a unified Germany would remove a crucial buffer between NATO and Soviet borders, fundamentally compromising Soviet security. Yazov feared that a reunified Germany, likely aligned with NATO, would strengthen Western influence and weaken the Soviet Union's strategic position in Europe. Yazov and other military leaders believed that Gorbachev's peacemaking policies were equivalent to a retreat, undermining the Soviet Union's long-standing geopolitical goals. Yazov's concerns reflect the division within Soviet leadership, where many military officials saw Gorbachev's actions as reckless, prioritising ideological over strategic concerns.
As it is evident Gorbachev's direction of reforms was not necessarily supported within all the elites of the Soviet Union.
4. Self-Determination and Reform: Breaking from Stalinist Repression
Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika were driven by a commitment to modernising and reforming the Soviet system, with a strong focus on principles of self-determination and democracy. Gorbachev recognised the need to break free from the legacy of Stalinist repression and establish a new era of openness and political diversity.
The Soviet Union, under Gorbachev's leadership, embarked on a process of political and social transformation aimed at empowering individuals, promoting political freedoms, and decentralising power. Gorbachev's vision for reform included greater autonomy for Soviet republics and fostering a more democratic and open political system.
Gorbachev's commitment to reform and open up set the groundwork for the peaceful transition from the Soviet Union to the independent states that emerged in the post-Cold War era. Gorbachev's policies of glasnost and perestroika represented a significant departure from the authoritarian and repressive policies of the past, signalling a fundamental shift in the Soviet approach to governance and society.
Gorbachev's reforms represented a significant departure from the authoritarian and repressive policies of the past, highlighting a fundamental shift in the Soviet approach to governance and society. The policies of glasnost and perestroika were intended to empower individuals, promote political diversity, and create a more open and transparent political system. By embracing principles of self-determination and democracy, Gorbachev sought to break free from the legacy of Stalinist repression and create a more inclusive and diverse political culture in the Soviet Union, to secure its future.
Conclusion
A combination of ideological, economic, and geopolitical factors drove Gorbachev's decision to agree to German reunification. His policies of perestroika and glasnost, aimed at reforming the Soviet Union and improving relations with the West, needed a cooperative approach to foreign policy. The Soviet Union's declining economy and the unsustainable costs of maintaining control over the Eastern bloc further forced him to accept reunification. Recognising the inevitability of Germany's reunification, Gorbachev attempted to manage the process on his terms, ensuring Germany remained within NATO to balance Soviet security concerns with the greater goal of decreasing Cold War tensions was his proactive effort to avoid the collapse of the Soviet System.
However, some argue that Gorbachev had little choice in the situation, given the pace of change in Eastern Europe and the growing desire for reunification within Germany itself. Others suggest that his decision may not have been entirely voluntary but rather the result of a rapidly weakening Soviet position globally. Whilst Gorbachev's policies provided a framework for his decision, external pressures from both domestic unrest and international diplomacy played crucial roles.
Ultimately, Gorbachev's agreement was not simply a result of his ideological ambitions but a strategic choice shaped by external forces and practical considerations. It appears that he tried to implement reforms to secure the future of the Soviet Union, however just this action led to its collapse. In other words, the moderate actions of Perestroika and Glasnost led to drastic consequences, including German reunification.
Secondary Sources
Burkhardt, Yannick. Michail Gorbatschow und seine Idee von Glasnost und Perestroika.
Droemer Knaur. Michail Gorbatschow Perestroika. Die zweite russische Revolution. Eine neue Politik für Europa und die Welt.
Godrom Verlag. Michail Gorbatschow. Reden und Aufsätze zu Glasnost und Perestroika.
Kohl, Helmut. Die Deutsche Einheit.
Schäuble, Wolfgang. Der Vertrag.
Taubman, William. Gorbatschow: Der Mann und seine Zeit.
Wentker, Hermann. Die Deutschen und Gorbatschow. Der Gorbatschow-Diskurs im doppelten Deutschland 1985-1991.
