Author
Abstract
[eng] Abstract The fall of the Berlin Wall and the collapse of the GDR took by surprise public opinion in Britain — like in other countries ; interpretations and explanations of those momentous events often were mistaken. A sharp contrast is generally perceived between the political stability which the GDR enjoyed for 40 years and its sudden breakdown. Actually, stability was more apparent than real, as there was an undercurrent of frequent agitation ; on the other hand, for a dozen years, movements of dissent had gathered strength, while the ruling elites were getting weaker. When the Soviet Union withdrew her unconditional support, the end came quickly. Likewise, the reunification process, which Chancellor Kohl conducted, was amazingly fast. Britain only had a minor role, of watching the developments of 1989-1990, but both government and public opinion soon worried about the power of reunited Germany, and also about the re-emergence of right-wing extremism. The author is critical of the widespread stereotypes about «German national character» (and of this very concept). Nonetheless, the new Germany has to face serious challenges, even though a parallel with the 1930's is fallacious. But those issues must be seriously and objectively investigated. [fre] Résumé La chute du Mur de Berlin et l'effondrement de la RDA ont pris par surprise l'opinion britannique — comme celle des autres pays ; les interprétations et explications de ces événements ont été souvent erronées. On a trop vu un contraste frappant entre la stabilité politique de la RDA pendant 40 ans et la soudaineté de son effondrement. En fait la première n'était qu'apparente et cachait une succession de troubles ; par ailleurs, depuis une dizaine d'années des mouvements d'opposition se renforçaient et l'élite dirigeante s'affaiblissait. Quand l'URSS eut retiré son soutien inconditionnel, les choses allèrent très vite. De même le processus de réunification, dont le chancelier Kohi fut Partisan, surprit par sa rapidité. La Grande-Bretagne ne joua qu'un rôle minime dans les événements de 1989 et 1990, mais l'opinion et le gouvernement s'inquiétèrent bientôt de la puissance de l'Allemagne réunifiée et de la renaissance de l'extrême-droite. L'auteur critique les stéréotypes si répandus sur le «caractère national allemand» (et le concept lui-même). Cependant l'Allemagne nouvelle se heurte à des problèmes très sérieux — même si le parallèle avec les années 1930 est trompeur ; mais ils doivent être étudiés sérieusement et objectivement.
Suggested Citation
Mary Fulbrook, 1994.
"L'Allemagne avant et après 1989 : perspectives britanniques,"
Histoire, économie & société, Programme National Persée, vol. 13(1), pages 215-228.
Handle:
RePEc:prs:hiseco:hes_0752-5702_1994_num_13_1_1743
DOI: 10.3406/hes.1994.1743
Note: DOI:10.3406/hes.1994.1743
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