In the spring of 1980, anti-nuclear activists occupied a drilling site near Gorleben in protest against the FRG's nuclear policy and set up a »village of peace« made of self-built wooden houses and tents. The »Republik Freies Wendland« (Republic of Free Wendland) was a lived utopia, a social experiment and a media-effective protest action of the anti-nuclear movement. Organised in a grassroots democratic way, the protest action was accompanied by discussions, concerts and theatre performances. There was a spokesperson's council. Decisions were made collectively in regular plenums. Young people in particular took part in the action. More than 44000 square metres of land was occupied and more than 100 huts were built after the proclamation of the republic. After 33 days, the federal government had the place forcibly evicted on 4 June.

Criticism and protest of the nuclear policy of the federal government / environmental and nature protection and protection of the people living on site.

After the police of Lower Saxony and other forces evicted the hut village, the planned deep drilling site 1004 was built on site in July. In reaction to the eviction, there were solidarity and protest actions in about 80 places throughout Germany, including numerous demonstrations, traffic blockades and occupations. To this day, the action is considered an important event of resistance against nuclear power.

Anti-nuclear activists