ABSTRACT
The death of Franz Josef Strauss in October 1988 had left a gap on the right in German politics, especially but not only, in Bavaria. Schonhuber hoped to exploit the opportunity presented by the empty stage. Margaret Thatcher, Britain's Prime Minister, was worried about the political and economic dominance of a united Germany in Europe. The mass official celebrations then took place before the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate on the night of 2-3 October with Brahms, Beethoven and Mendelssohn on the musical programme, an impressive firework display, searchlights and the singing of the national anthem. The European Community did not hesitate to welcome the prospect of the re-establishment of German unity. It merely saw Germany being enlarged rather than a new state joining. Germany did not expect, and was not offered, any increase in its seats and votes in the Commission or in the Council of Ministers.
