Hello, I'm an expert in historical studies with a particular focus on modern European history. Let's dive into the reunification of East and West Germany. The reunification of Germany is a complex and multifaceted event that was the culmination of a series of political, economic, and social changes that took place during the late 1980s and early 1990s. The process was driven by a number of key factors, including the fall of the Berlin Wall, the collapse of the Soviet Union, and the desire for a unified German state. The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Berlin Wall, which had been a symbol of the division between East and West Germany, fell on November 9, 1989. This event was a pivotal moment in the reunification process. The fall of the wall allowed East Germans to travel freely to the West, leading to a massive population movement and a growing sense of unity among the German people. The Collapse of the Soviet Union: The collapse of the Soviet Union was another key factor in the reunification of Germany. As the Soviet Union weakened, it lost its ability to maintain control over its satellite states, including East Germany. This created a power vacuum that allowed for the rise of pro-democracy movements in East Germany and the eventual reunification of the two German states. The Role of the European Community: The European Community (now the European Union) also played a significant role in the reunification process. The EC provided a framework for economic and political cooperation between the two German states, which helped to facilitate the reunification process. Negotiations and Agreements: Extensive negotiations took place between the two German states, as well as with the Soviet Union, the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. These negotiations resulted in a number of agreements that paved the way for reunification. One of the most important of these was the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, which was signed in September 1990. Economic and Social Challenges: The reunification process was not without its challenges. The two German states had very different economic systems, and integrating them was a complex task. There were also significant social and cultural differences between East and West Germany, which had to be addressed in order to create a unified German state. The Unification Day: As you mentioned, on Unification Day, 3 October 1990, the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) ceased to exist, and five new Federal States on its former territory joined the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany). East and West Berlin were reunited and joined the Federal Republic as a full-fledged Federal City-State. The reunification of Germany was a historic event that marked the end of the Cold War era and the beginning of a new chapter in German history. It was a complex process that involved a wide range of political, economic, and social factors, and it continues to have a profound impact on the country and the world today. read more >>

Accordingly, on Unification Day, 3 October 1990, the German Democratic Republic ceased to exist, and five new Federal States on its former territory joined the Federal Republic of Germany. East and West Berlin were reunited and joined the Federal Republic as a full-fledged Federal City-State.read more >>