The Peaceful Revolution: How to Protest without Any Violence

Pillars topped with palm fronds adorn the interior of St. Nicholas Church in Leipzig, but one of them stands outside the building – in memory of the peaceful revolution of 1989.

Every Monday, dissidents would gather inside the church to protest against the prevailing sociopolitical and economic situation in East Germany.

In the fall of 1989, they left the protection of the church and marched bravely through downtown Leipzig. More and more people joined the movement as the weeks went by.

The Monday demonstrations ushered in the end of the German Democratic Republic and the division of Germany.

Typically, protests can start out with a clear goal and in peaceful manners, but sometimes along the way, things could to go awry – especially when the group is really big.

Thankfully, things didn’t go as bad as many braced for. 30 years after the peaceful revolution, Check-in presenter Lukas Stege visits Leipzig to see how the protests have left their mark on the city.

Catch The Peaceful Revolution episode of Check-in on March 23rd, 2019 at 9.30am with repeats on the same day at 2pm, 6.30pm and 10.30pm.

Watch it live on DW via tonton and learn more about world history.