Late 1980s - The period of Soviet bloc liberalisation (Glasnost) and reform (Perestroika).[1] 27 June 1989 - The opening of Hungary's border fence with Austria.[2] 19 August 1989 - The Pan-European Picnic at the Hungarian-Austrian border, when hundreds of East Germans, who were allowed to travel to Hungary but not to the west, escaped to West Germany via Austria.[3] From 4 September 1989 - Monday demonstrations in East Germany calling for the opening of the border with West Germany and greater human rights protections.[4] 18 October 1989 - Erich Honecker removed as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany.[5] 9 November 1989 - The fall of the Berlin Wall, enabling East Germans to travel freely to the west.[1] 3 December 1989 - The Socialist Unity Party's stepping down.[6] 4 December 1989 - Citizens' occupations of Stasi buildings across the country, starting in Erfurt.