Topic 5 Changes In Economic And Social Structure

Question 0

Industry

Answer 0

Soviets took control of large businesses and private businesses were largely phased out
Focused heavy on heavy industry,production rose but quality was poor
Living standards did improve but not to level of west and rationing continued until 1958
Once Berlin Wall built labour force stabilised economy became less centralised

Question 1

Farming

Answer 1

In 1952 since land lacked resource for farmed profitability SED introduced collectivisation as part of ‘building for socialism’ policy
This was very unpopular some farmers left farms or moved west
Therefore food supplies worsened leading to June uprisings in 1953 and in 1960 helped seal the decision to build Berlin Wall

Question 2

How far did social mobility change

Answer 2

Those prepared to accept new political system prospered
More professional opportunities for women war had reduced male population
Maternity care and child are arrangements helped
Working class and peasants also benefited in time coming qualified for new jobs

Question 3

Religion and churches

Answer 3

Around 17m lived in GDR 15m were Protestant and 1m catholic
By 1946 religion came under attack
1946 re lessons ended
1952-53 singled our member of Protestant youth groups making it difficult for them to go to uni
1954 young East German forced to swear an oath to communist regime jugendweihe

Question 4

Education

Answer 4

Most schools became linked to industries for practical experiences
Disadvantaged children could get scholarships to uni but privileged children often barred from careers of their choice before 1961 so many moved west

Question 5

Youth culture

Answer 5

Rock and roll era of the 1950s didn’t escape GDR although SED tried to prevent it
Once wall built more control within GDR ulbricht allowed new radio station which played popular music

Question 6

The Berlin Wall

Answer 6

1958 soviet leader krushchev told western powers to join them and become part of GDR but they ignored this
By 1961 many middle class Germans moved west for better opportunities
13 august 1961 Berliners awoke to find access between east and west blocked, the western powers did nothing unwilling to cause conflict
This meant ‘brain drain’ to west as over with labour force stabilised and economy improved
Hopes of reunification seemed impossible