Policies of the DDR Flashcards
What was the politburo and who were the key members?
The politburo of the DDR was the executive committee of the government that made the important decisions. The key members were Walter Ulbricht, Otto Grotewohl and Erick Honecker
What percentage of judges were SED members by 1950?
50%
What term describes the facade of democracy that hid the omnipotence of the SED?
Democratic centralisation
How many civilians were there per Stasi agent, and how does this number change when IMs are included?
1 Stasi agent per 166 civilians. When IMs are included: 1 member per 6.5 civilians
Was the 5 Year Plan initially successful and what evidence is there to support your view?
The 5 Year Plan was initally very successful as it meant that production doubled from 1951 to 1955
Why did the 5 Year Plan not show long-term success?
Because too much focus was on the production of heavy machinery for the USSR instead of what the DDR itself needed
What percentage of industrial production was under the control of VEBs (people-owned) and SAGs (state-owned) by 1950?
76%
When was collectivisation introduced and what was the name given to the organisations that formed as a result of it?
Collectivisation was introduced in 1952 and led to the formation of agricultural production co-operatives (LPGs)
Was the policy of collectivisation initially effective?
No, as it wasn’t enforced until 8 years after it was introduced (1952 to 1960)
When did Ulbricht enforce collectivisation and how did he do it?
Collectivisation was enforced in 1960 and farmers were forced to participate by the restriction of access to machinery
What two notable events happened in 1961 that show that the enforcement of collectivisation was not initally successful?
The number of farmers leaving the DDR reached its peak and rationing was also reintroduced
Was collectivisation successful long-term and why was this the case?
Collectivisation was successful long-term as as result of the SED increasingly investing in agriculture from 1963 onwards. By 1970 production was higher than most Eastern European countries. Although it was highly subsidised, collectivisation made agriculture more efficient
What demographic made up the largest proportion of those leaving the DDR for better economic prospects in the FRG and what was this event called?
Young, able-bodied workers made up the vast majority of those leaving to the FRG in an event called the ‘Brain Drain’
What percentage of teachers were fired to implement loyal communist teachers?
80%
What was the DDR’s approach to private schools?
Private schools were abolished following the implementation of the Law for the Democratisation of German Schools in 1946
Between what years was the system of ‘polytechnic education’ introduced and what did it involve?
‘Polytechnic education’ was created between 1956 and 1965 and was a 10 year system for 6 to 16 year olds
At what age did one day a week of practical work become compulsory?
14 years old
Did the amount of women in the workforce increase or decrease?
Increase
When was abortion strictly limited until?
1972
How did both female student attendance and graduating salaries compare with those of men?
Female student attendance was lower as were their average salaries compared to men
How did the role of women in the DDR compare with that of Nazi Germany?
In the DDR the role of women was more focused on being in the workforce, whereas in Nazi Germany they were encouraged to have children and be housewives
What was the name given to the universal workers’ union created by the SED?
The FDGB
What amenities did the FDGB provide many workers with?
Housing, libraries, discount shops, clubs, and recreational facilities
What was beneficial about the healthcare policies of the DDR?
Healthcare was free for all from state hospitals
From what year did housing become a priority in the DDR?
1959
How many new homes were built per year from 1959 to 1962?
100,000 homes per year
What was a negative of the new homes being built?
They were all soviet-style tower blocks
