Establishing and consolidating communist rule in the GDR, 1949–61 Flashcards
When was the German Democratic Republic (GDR) officially established, and what were the key reasons for its creation?
The GDR was established on 7th October 1949 in response to the creation of Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in the west.
Soviet leader Stalin wanted to consolidate control over East Germany and ensure a socialist state to counteract the capitalist FRG.
What was the political structure of the GDR under communist rule?
The Socialist Unity Party (SED) dominated politics, formed in 1946 through the forced merger of KPD (Communist Party) and SPD (Social Democrats)
Ostensibly democratic, but real power lay with the SED and politburo.
Volkskammer (Poeples chamber): The parliament, controlled by the SED, rubber-stamped policies.
Democratic centralism: Policies decided by the party leadership and imposed without dissent.
What was the Stasi, and what role did it play in consolidating communist rule in the GDR?
Stasi (Ministry for State Security): Founded in 1950, it was a secret police force tasked with suppressing dissent and spying on citizens.
By 1961, it employed 85,000 officers and a network of informants
It used surveillance, arrests, and intimidation to maintain political control.
How did the GDR implement central planning and nationalisation in its economy?
Centralised Economy: Based on Soviet-style Five-Year Plans to industrialise and collectivise agriculture.
Nationalisation: By 1952, 75% of industry was state-owned under VEBs (People’s Enterprise)
Collectivisation: Farms were collectivised into LPGs (agricultural production cooperatives) by 1960. Resistance from farmers led to a 15% drop in agricultural production between 1960-61.
What caused the 1953 uprising in the GDR, and what were its consequences?
Rising worker discontent due to increased work quotas and poor living conditions.
Disillusionment with SED rule and resentment towards Stalinists policies.
Started 17 June 1953 as workers’ strikes but escalated into nationwide uprising.
Soviet tanks crushed the rebeliion, resulting in 125 deaths.
Consequences: Increased Stasi surveillance.
SED tightened control and relied on Soviet support for stability.
How did the GDR use social policy and propaganda to consolidate power?
Schools promoted Marxist-Leninist ideology and loyalty to the SED.
Russian was taught as the primary foreign language.
FDJ (Free German Youth): Indoctrinated young people with communist ideals.
Propaganda: Used newspaper, posters, and state-co trolled radio to glorify socialism and demonise the West.
The Berlin Wall (1961) was framed as an “anti-fascist protective barrier”.
What role did relations with the FRG and Berlin Crisis play in the GDR policy?
The FRG’s Adenauer government promoted reunification under capitalism, undermining the GDR’s legitimacy.
By the late 1950s, mass emigration to the West through Berlin (2.5million by 1961) created a “brain drain” that threatened the GDR’s economy.
In 1961, the Berlin Wall was erected to stop emigration and secure communist control.
Why was the Berlin Wall built in 1961, and what were its effects?
Prevent the flow of people fleeing to West Germany through Berlin.
Stabilise the GDR’s economy and reinforce SED rule.
Emigration fell dramatically, securing the GDR’s workforce.
Became a powerful symbol of the Cold War and division of Germany.
Reinforced SED control but at the cost of international criticism.
What were the main successes and failures of SED rule in the GDR by 1961?
Industrial growth, particularly in heavy industry.
Creation of a highly loyal security state under the Stasi.
Agricultural and consumer goods shortages due to collectivisation.
Mass emigration to the West (2.5 million left before the Berlin Wall).
Popular discontent evident in the 1953 uprising.
Who was Walter Ulbricht, and how did he shape the GDR?
Leader of the SED and head of state (1950-1971).
A Stalinist who implemented Soviet-style policies in the GDR.
Centralised control through the SED and Stasi.
Pushed collectivisation and industrialisation p, which caused discontent but strengthened state control.
How did Soviet influence shape the establishment of the GDR?
SMAD (Soviet Military Administration in Germany): Controlled the eastern zone after WWII and supervises the creation of the GDR,
Land Reform (1945-49): Large estates were confiscated and redistributed to peasants to weaken the influence of former elites.
Reparations: The USSR extracted £10 billion in reparations, primarily in industrial goods, which slowed economic recovery.
What was the “Republikflucht”, and why was it a problem for the GDR?
Definition: “Flight from the Republic”, referring to East Germans fleeing to the West.
Between 1949-1961, 2.5 million people (many young and skilled) left the GDR, creating a significant brai. drain and weakening the economy.
This issue directly contributed to the decision to built the Berlin Wall in 1961.
What was the 1952 “Building of Socialism” campaign, and what were its effects?
Announced by Walter Ulbricht at the 2nd SED Party Conference, this policy aimed ti transform the GDR into a fully socialist state.
Increased collectivisation of agriculture.
Nationalisation of remaining private businesses.
Introduction of central planningto accelerate industrialisation.
Effects: Widespread resistance from farmers, leading economic disruption and rural depopulation.
How did the Berlin Airlift influence the division if Germany?
Background: Soviet blockade of West Berlin in 1948 led to an Allied airlift supplying the city for alsmot a year.
Outcome: Strengthened Western resolve, leading to the creation of NATO and the FRG.
For EastGermany p, it Solidified Soviet control and laid the groundwork for establishing the GDR as a separate state in 1949.
What early economic reforms did the GDR implement before 1961?
The GDR adopted a Soviet-style command economy, with the state controlling production and distribution.
Focus on heavy industry over consumer goods caused shortages of basic items leading to discontent.
Early collectivisation efforts (1952-60) faced resistance, with many small farmers fleeing to the West.
How did the SED manage relations with other parties in the GDR?
The GDR allowed the existence of minor parties, such as the Christian Democratic Union (CDU) and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDPD), but they were controlled by the SED under the National Front umbrella.
These parties provided the illusion of democracy, it their activities were tightly monitored, and they had no real power.
How did the SED promote gender equality, and what challenges did women face?
Women were encouraged to work in industry and join Mass organisations, such as the Democratic Women’s League (DFD).
Childcare facilities and maternity leave policies were introduced to support working mothers.
Despite these measures, women faced traditional gender roles and limited representation in higher-level politics.
What role did mass organisations play in consolidating communist rule?
FDGB (Free German Trade Union Federation): Represented workers and ensured loyalty to the state.
FDJ (Free German Youth): Indoctrinated you g people with socialist ideals and prepared them for loyalty to the SED.
Cultural Organisations: Promoted socialist values and controlled cultural life. These groups were used to monitor and mobilise society.
Why was West Berlin a problem for the GDR?
Economic Disparity: West Berlin, with its capitalist system, showcased greater prosperity, undermining the GDR’S socialist model.
Emigration Route: Many East Germans used West Berlin as a gateway to emigrate to the FRG.
Political Symbolism: Its existence highlighted the division betweenEast and West during the Cold War, embarrassing the GDR leadership.
How did Walter Ulbricht lead the GDR during its early years?
Ulbricht followed strict Stalinist principles, focusing on centralised control and heavy industrialisation.
He purged opposition within the SED and relied on the Stasi to supress dissent.
Despite his authoritarian style, he faced criticism from Moscow for failing to stabilise the economy before the Berlin Wall’s construction.
