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German History in Documents and Images
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Mass Rally on Alexanderplatz in East Berlin (November 4, 1989)
Organized by opposition groups and East German artists' associations, the mass demonstration in East Berlin on November 4, 1989, was the largest officially authorized, non-state organized demonstration in GDR history. It was broadcast live on East German television. On account of its size, the demonstration topped the headlines and news reports. But demonstrations also took place that same day in forty other GDR cities and towns. With the continued increase in mass protests, signs of the GDR's collapse were also becoming apparent within the SED. Below is a view of the demonstration from the famous Fernsehturm [television tower]. Photo: Gerhard Kiesling.