William Tyler
Reunification of Germany
Summary
When reunification came, it came quickly. The East German communist regime crumbled as the whole of Eastern Europe began to revolt against their communist regimes. This time, Soviet Russia did not come to their aid.
What was exceptional in East Germany’s case was the fact that there was a free and democratic Germany just over the border in the form of West Germany. This meant that the West German government took control of reunification. West Germany did more than incorporate the East German state into itself, but extended West German democratic structures eastwards.
United, Germany has continued to be a major Western European player, both politically and economically, a pillar of the European Union, and a genuine contributor to NATO.
William Tyler
William Tyler has spent his entire professional life in adult education, beginning at Kingsgate College in 1969. He has lectured widely for many public bodies, including the University of Cambridge and the WEA, in addition to speaking to many clubs and societies. In 2009, William was awarded the MBE for services to adult education, and he has previously been a scholar in residence at the London Jewish Cultural Centre.