Reunification
of Germany
A strong drive for reunification developed in
East and West Germany in 1990. In East Germany,
conservative parties supporting reunification
won the elections, and the new government and
the force of events proceeded to dismantle the
state. Economic union with the West occurred
in July, and on Oct. 3, 1990, political reunification
took place under what had been the West German
constitution. In new national elections (Dec.
1990), the conservative coalition headed by
Kohl retained power. The economy of the East
largely collapsed, and the costs of reunification
and the privatization of state-owned businesses
in the East pushed Germany into recession and
led to increased social tensions. By 1994, however,
the economy had improved, and Kohl led his coalition
to a narrow victory in national elections.
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