Pre GDR Political Develpments Flashcards
When was SMAD set up?
The soviet military administration in Germany was set up in June 1945 to govern, headed by Marshal Zhukov, it had direct control over German politics, economy, and politics by issuing orders and decrees that shaped the development of the zone.
The Background:
The KPD and the SPD were historically left wing parties in German politics.
The soviets sought to consolidate their control in east Germany by merging these two parties to create a unified socialist force.
Who did the soviets favour?
The Soviet’s favoured the KPD.
Who oversaw the merging?
SMAD oversaw the forced merger in April 1946.
Walter Ulbricht, who led the KPD, and Otto Grotewhol, who led the SPD became the new co-chairmen of the new party.
This was formalised at a joint party congresss in Berlin.
Pressure:
SPD members faced intimidation, arrests and propaganda campaigns.
There was a referendum in the western zone, and the merger was largely rejected by SPD members.
The consolidation of power:
The SED quickly became the dominate political force, with the restriction of other parties, and by 1919, east Germany was a one party state under the guise of the national front.
When was the GDR established?
In October 1949, the German Democratic Republic was set up on the 7th, with Wilhelmina Pieck becoming the ‘president’ on the 11th.
