How successful was Honecker in developing a distinct national identity for the GDR during the years 1971-85? (STILL DOING) Flashcards
What view had Ulbricht promoted?
That there was a single German nation divided into two states. He held the belief that these two states would one day be united under socialism.
When did the view change?
In 1971 when Ulbricht was replaced as leader by Erich Honecker who recognized the reality of this division of Germany and that any hope for future reunification seemed remote.
How was Ulbricht removed from power by Honecker?
He was forced to resign from power when Honecker came to his home with GDR guards armed with machine guns and Ulbricht agreed to resign after an hour. Its because he had lost favour with the Soviet Union and his own colleagues in the Politburo
What decision had Honecker been responsible for?
For implementing the decision to build the wall in 1961
During his takeover what steps were taken to stress the difference between the FRG and the GDR?
Made in Germany labels were now turned into Made in the GDR
What did the media reinforce the idea of?
Reinforced the idea that capitalism was evil and socialism was superior
What was the SED’s Newspaper called?
Neues Deutschland
What did the other Newspapers have?
Had instructions on what the could write
After the Berlin Wall what happened to Western Newspapers?
No one was allowed to read them as it was illegal to display or read them and western newspapers were taken when WG’s entered the GDR
What was the same underlying message of all newspapers?
This underlying message was that there was widespread problem in the FRG such as homelessness, unemployment and drug addiction which were promoted to make them look bad.
How much of the Newspapers did the Party directly control?
70% as there rest were papers and magazines produced by the mass organizations such as the Free German Youth (FDJ) and trade unions and tended to be either non-political or follow the party line.
What were the only publications that the Party didn’t control?
The church organizations but they were expected to focus solely on religious matters and be strictly non-controversial
What were some GDR radio stations?
DDR1
DDR2
DT64( Youth music station)
How many radios were there by 1985?
6.6 million licensed radios were in the country which is 39.9 to every 100 people.
What was popular on radios?
Western radio stations were quite popular which worried the government
