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Who would've wanted reform in the GDR? - Coggle Diagram
Who would've wanted reform in the GDR?
Ecological groups
One such group set up the environmental library in 1986 and the Stasi raided the premises and seized the printing press
In January 1988, 100 activists were arrested and deported to West Germany
80-90 of them, based in larger cities such as Leipzig as environmental issues were rife
The far right
Growing skinhead culture which linked to the extreme policies of the far right
Embarrassing to the GDR as they were proud of being a non fascist state
Can be seen as a reaction to failure of a socialist state to improve the lives of its citizens
The GDR generation (25-40 years old)
Diverse range of issues that loosely combined to form a distinct alternative political culture
These tended to have a cultural impact rather than a clear political agenda and favoured grass roots participation rather than national political reform
Protestant church
Offered a degree of protective cover from the SED
Church was the only major organisation not controlled by the SED in some degree
Provided valuable care for the elderly and the disabled
Allowed for discussion on reform in the SED
Human rights groups
Introduction of military training during the peak of the cold war sparked more interest in peace campaigns
As Gorbachev expanded his peaceful reforms, so did the groups
The initiative for peace and human rights began to foster contacts outside of the GDR and was targeted by the Stasi
But they were protected by the church
Women's rights groups
Diverse range of issues that created a distinct alternative political culture
Issues like peace, ecological problems,womens rights, third world issues and gay rights all led to the formation of small autonomous groups