Mitte in Leipzig, Saxony, Germany — Central Europe
Der Tag der Entscheidung
Orte der Friedlichen Revolution
⎯⎯⎯
The day of decision
Sites of the Peaceful Revolution
| — | '89 | — |
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
1. Der Tag der Entscheidung / The day of decision Marker
9. Oktober 1989
Am 7. Oktober 1989, dem 40. Jahrestag der DDR, war es an vielen Orten des Landes zu Protesten gekommen. Am darauffolgenden Montag wollte das SED-Regime in Leipzig den „Spuk ein für alle mal beenden“ und hatte den Einsatz von Schusswaffen offen angedroht.
Trotz großer Ängste demonstrierten am 9. Oktober 1989 nach Friedensgebeten in vier Leipziger Kirchen mindestens 70.000 Bürger mit den Losungen „Keine Gewalt“ und „Wir sind das Volk“ gegen das Regime. Tausende waren extra nach Leipzig gereist. Angesichts dieser Massen mussten sich die 8.000 bereitstehenden Sicherheitskräfte zurückziehen.
Der friedliche Verlauf des Abends wurde als Sieg über das Regime empfunden. Von nun an ergriffen Proteste das ganze Land. Die SED bereitete weiterhin eine gewaltsame Auflösung der Demonstrationen vor. Gleichzeitig versuchte sie, durch „Dialog“-Veranstaltungen mit den Bürgern ins Gespräch zu kommen, um den Demonstrationen so ein Ende zu setzen.
In den folgenden Wochen wuchs die Zahl der Montagsdemonstranten stetig - am 16. Oktober 1989 waren es bereits 120.000.
Foto:
this page online
October 9, 1989
On October 7, 1989, the 40th anniversary of the GDR, there had been protests in many places across the country. The following Monday the SED-Regime wanted to "put an end once and for all" to these frightful activities in Leipzig and openly threatened to use firearms.
Despite great fears, on October 9, 1989, at least 70,000 citizens demonstrated against the regime after the prayers for peace in four Leipzig churches with the slogans "No violence" and "We are the people". Thousands had travelled to Leipzig to take part. In view of these masses the 8,000 waiting security forces had to be withdrawn.
The peaceful outcome of the evening was seen as a victory over the regime. From now on, protests gripped the entire country. The SED continued to prepare a violent resolution to the demonstrations. At the same time they tried to speak with the citizens through "dialogue" events so as to put an end to the demonstrations.
In the following weeks, the number of the Monday protesters continued to rise on October 16, 1989 there were already 120,000.
Photo: Heinz Löster
Erected by Stadt Leipzig and Freistaat Sachsen. (Marker Number 13.)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list:
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
2. Der Tag der Entscheidung / The day of decision Marker
View looking toward the marker, with the Solidarity marker at right and the Leipzig Opera at left.
Location. 51° 20.344′ N, 12° 22.893′ E. Marker is in Leipzig, Sachsen (Saxony). It is in Mitte. It is at the intersection of Augustusplatz and Grimmaischer Steinweg, on the right when traveling west on Augustusplatz. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: Augustuspl 4, Leipzig SN 04109, Germany. Touch for directions.
Regionally, it is in Europe, the European Union, Atlantic Europe, Central Europe, the Schengen Area, Western Europe, and the Western World. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Roman Empire and specifically also the Holy Roman Empire.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Solidarność / Solidarität / Solidarity (here, next to this marker); Oper Leipzig / Leipzig Opera House (about 90 meters away, measured in a direct line); Neues Gewandhaus / New Gewandhaus (about 120 meters away); Zum Gedenken an die Familie Bamberger / In Memory of the Bamberger Family (about 120 meters away); Freie Wahlen / Free Elections (about 120 meters away); Universitätskirche St. Pauli / St. Paul's University Church (about 120 meters away); Paulinum - Aula und Universitätskirche St. Pauli (about 120 meters away); Tympanon-Fries des Leipziger Neuen Theaters / Tympanum Frieze of Leipzig's New Theater (about 150 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Leipzig.
Photographed by James Hulse, March 11, 2026
3. Der Tag der Entscheidung / The day of decision Marker
The view of the marker along the street. The marker is located to the left side of the bus in the photo.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 14, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 16, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.
