Geschiedenis east germany

HI136 The History of HI136 The History of GermanyGermany

Lecture 17Lecture 17

East GermanyEast Germany

IntroductionIntroduction Debates over the history of the GDR – objective Debates over the history of the GDR – objective

assessments are still difficult to arrive at.assessments are still difficult to arrive at. Continuity with German history (especially with the Nazi Continuity with German history (especially with the Nazi

period)?period)? ‘‘Periodization’ of East German history:Periodization’ of East German history:

Direct occupation by Soviet forces (1945-49)Direct occupation by Soviet forces (1945-49) From establishment of the GDR to the building of the Wall (1949-61)From establishment of the GDR to the building of the Wall (1949-61) ‘‘Golden Age’ of consolidation & economic liberalization (1961-71)Golden Age’ of consolidation & economic liberalization (1961-71) Honecker Period (1971-89)Honecker Period (1971-89) Disintegration & Collapse (1989-90) Disintegration & Collapse (1989-90)

The Socialist Unity Party The Socialist Unity Party (SED)(SED)

June 1945: Soviets legalise political June 1945: Soviets legalise political parties.parties.

Poor performance of Communists Poor performance of Communists elsewhere in Poland & Hungary leads to elsewhere in Poland & Hungary leads to pressure for ‘socialist unity’.pressure for ‘socialist unity’.

April 1946: Merger of SPD & KPD in the April 1946: Merger of SPD & KPD in the Soviet Zone to form the SED.Soviet Zone to form the SED.

1946 free elections: SED polls 48%1946 free elections: SED polls 48% SED functions as hub of ‘Antifascist Bloc’ SED functions as hub of ‘Antifascist Bloc’

including Christian Democrats and Liberal including Christian Democrats and Liberal Democrats, and later National Democrats Democrats, and later National Democrats and Farmers; elections also fought as and Farmers; elections also fought as single Bloc list (aka National Front).single Bloc list (aka National Front).

1948-51: SED Stalinised into ‘New-Type 1948-51: SED Stalinised into ‘New-Type Party’; purge of former Social Democrats Party’; purge of former Social Democrats & loss of parity principle.& loss of parity principle.

SED membership: rose from 1.3 (1946) to SED membership: rose from 1.3 (1946) to 2.3 million (1986), including many 2.3 million (1986), including many careerist members. careerist members.

Functionaries (i.e. officials) liked to list Functionaries (i.e. officials) liked to list themselves as ‘workers’ but had they themselves as ‘workers’ but had they really become middle-class?really become middle-class?

‘‘Politbureaucracy’ lived sheltered Politbureaucracy’ lived sheltered existence in Wandlitz compound, existence in Wandlitz compound, including all mod cons.including all mod cons.

Wilhelm Pieck (KPD) shakes hands with Otto Grotewohl (SPD) on formation of SED, April 1946.

PoliticsPolitics 1949 Constitution = ‘People’s Democracy’: bi-cameral parliament 1949 Constitution = ‘People’s Democracy’: bi-cameral parliament

elected every 4 years, Prime Minister & President. Guarantee of elected every 4 years, Prime Minister & President. Guarantee of fundamental human rights. In reality people just asked to approve or fundamental human rights. In reality people just asked to approve or reject pre-determined distribution of seats, ministries controlled by reject pre-determined distribution of seats, ministries controlled by SED.SED.

Walter Ulbricht (1893-Walter Ulbricht (1893-1973)1973)

Born in Leipzig, joined the Spartacist Born in Leipzig, joined the Spartacist League in 1918.League in 1918.

Co-founder of the KPD, elected as a Co-founder of the KPD, elected as a Reichstag Deputy in 1928.Reichstag Deputy in 1928.

1933-45: In exile in the USSR.1933-45: In exile in the USSR. 1949: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister 1949: Appointed Deputy Prime Minister

of the GDR.of the GDR. 1950: Became General Secretary of the 1950: Became General Secretary of the

SED.SED. 1960: Became Chairman of the Council 1960: Became Chairman of the Council

of State.of State. Favoured ‘hard line’ of constructing Favoured ‘hard line’ of constructing

socialism in half a country rather than socialism in half a country rather than pursuing reunification; in 1953 under pursuing reunification; in 1953 under heavy fire from Politburo colleagues, but heavy fire from Politburo colleagues, but ‘saved’ by 17 June uprising.‘saved’ by 17 June uprising.

1960s: Limited economic reforms, but 1960s: Limited economic reforms, but unable to change with the times.unable to change with the times.

1971: Ousted by ‘palace coup’ by 1971: Ousted by ‘palace coup’ by Honecker, with Soviet backing.Honecker, with Soviet backing.

June 1953 UprisingJune 1953 Uprising

Growing unrest due to high Growing unrest due to high demands placed on workers and demands placed on workers and poor living standards.poor living standards.

16 June: building workers on 16 June: building workers on Berlin’s Stalinallee strike for Berlin’s Stalinallee strike for economistic reasons.economistic reasons.

17 June am: spontaneous strikes 17 June am: spontaneous strikes in cities; Berlin strikers march on in cities; Berlin strikers march on ministerial district.ministerial district.

17 June pm: more political 17 June pm: more political demands (free elections, national demands (free elections, national unity); late afternoon Soviet tanks unity); late afternoon Soviet tanks impose martial law.impose martial law.

East German explanation: CIA-East German explanation: CIA-organised putsch (‘Tag X’) using organised putsch (‘Tag X’) using teenager thugs.teenager thugs.

West German explanation: West German explanation: people’s revolt against Soviet people’s revolt against Soviet tyranny.tyranny.

PoliticsPolitics 1949 Constitution = ‘People’s Democracy’: bi-cameral parliament 1949 Constitution = ‘People’s Democracy’: bi-cameral parliament

elected every 4 years, Prime Minister & President. Guarantee of elected every 4 years, Prime Minister & President. Guarantee of fundamental human rights. In reality people just asked to approve or fundamental human rights. In reality people just asked to approve or reject pre-determined distribution of seats, ministries controlled by reject pre-determined distribution of seats, ministries controlled by SED.SED.

1954: Return of full sovereignty to the GDR.1954: Return of full sovereignty to the GDR. 1955: Formation of an East German army, foundation of the 1955: Formation of an East German army, foundation of the

Warsaw Pact.Warsaw Pact. 1960: President Wilhelm Pieck died – the office of President 1960: President Wilhelm Pieck died – the office of President

abolished & replaced by a Council of State (abolished & replaced by a Council of State (StaatsratStaatsrat) dominated by ) dominated by the SED.the SED.

1968 Constitution = Declared the GDR a ‘socialist state’ & 1968 Constitution = Declared the GDR a ‘socialist state’ & acknowledges the ‘leading role’ of the SED.acknowledges the ‘leading role’ of the SED.

1971: Ulbricht replaced by Erich Honecker (1912-94). Hopes for a 1971: Ulbricht replaced by Erich Honecker (1912-94). Hopes for a more liberal regime, but Honecker unwilling to give up the SED’s more liberal regime, but Honecker unwilling to give up the SED’s monopoly on power & politics stagnated under his rule.monopoly on power & politics stagnated under his rule.

The EconomyThe Economy 1945-46: Wide-ranging land reform, expropriation of businesses & 1945-46: Wide-ranging land reform, expropriation of businesses &

nationalization of key industries: 40% of industry under state control; nationalization of key industries: 40% of industry under state control; 100 hectares (247 acres) of land redistributed to peasants & 100 hectares (247 acres) of land redistributed to peasants & refugees.refugees.

GDR at an economic disadvantage compared to the West – had GDR at an economic disadvantage compared to the West – had only 30% of industrial capacity, few natural resources & a smaller only 30% of industrial capacity, few natural resources & a smaller population.population.

Planned economy focusing on building up heavy industry at the Planned economy focusing on building up heavy industry at the expense of essentials & consumer goods – meat, butter & sugar expense of essentials & consumer goods – meat, butter & sugar rationed until 1958, luxury goods like chocolate almost rationed until 1958, luxury goods like chocolate almost unobtainable.unobtainable.

Growth fell from 8% in 1950 to 2.3% between 1960 & 1962.Growth fell from 8% in 1950 to 2.3% between 1960 & 1962. 1963: ‘New Economic System’ – more freedom for producers & 1963: ‘New Economic System’ – more freedom for producers &

consumers = better living standards.consumers = better living standards. 1961-70: Improved growth – the GDR became the strongest 1961-70: Improved growth – the GDR became the strongest

economy in the Eastern Bloc.economy in the Eastern Bloc. 1980s: Economic stagnation & financial crisis.1980s: Economic stagnation & financial crisis.

EmigrationEmigration RepublikfluchtRepublikflucht (flight from the (flight from the

Republic):500,000 people left for the Republic):500,000 people left for the West between 1949 & 1955.West between 1949 & 1955.

By 1961 1.65 million people had By 1961 1.65 million people had defected. 50% were under the age defected. 50% were under the age of 25, most were skilled workers & of 25, most were skilled workers & professionals.professionals.

1952: border between East & West 1952: border between East & West closed & fortified.closed & fortified.

1961: Berlin Wall built.1961: Berlin Wall built. ‘‘Shoot to kill’: around 1,000 East Shoot to kill’: around 1,000 East

Germans killed while trying to Germans killed while trying to escape to the West.escape to the West.

Visits to the West strictly controlled. Visits to the West strictly controlled. Some liberalization in the 1970s.Some liberalization in the 1970s.

The Wall led to a more stable labour The Wall led to a more stable labour market & resignation to the way market & resignation to the way things were.things were.

The Police StateThe Police State Ministerium für StaatssiicherheitMinisterium für Staatssiicherheit (Ministry of (Ministry of

State Security, Stasi)State Security, Stasi) founded as clone of founded as clone of KGB under Soviet occupation.KGB under Soviet occupation.

Early on used mainly for counter-intelligence Early on used mainly for counter-intelligence (to keep out or kidnap western spies).(to keep out or kidnap western spies).

Markus Wolf’s Foreign Section scored notable Markus Wolf’s Foreign Section scored notable successes in planting moles with West successes in planting moles with West German Chancellor Willy Brandt in 1970s.German Chancellor Willy Brandt in 1970s.

1952 Stasi given control of border; later 1952 Stasi given control of border; later policed the border troops.policed the border troops.

Poor early warning for 1953 uprising & Poor early warning for 1953 uprising & temporarily demoted from ministerial status.temporarily demoted from ministerial status.

Central Evaluation & Information Group Central Evaluation & Information Group (ZAIG) monitored popular mood.(ZAIG) monitored popular mood.

Self-image as pro-active ‘social workers’ or Self-image as pro-active ‘social workers’ or agents of the ‘invisible frontier’; ‘operative agents of the ‘invisible frontier’; ‘operative missions’ included infiltration & decomposition missions’ included infiltration & decomposition from within of suspected dissident groups.from within of suspected dissident groups.

1960s: MfS adopts more sophisticated 1960s: MfS adopts more sophisticated techniques & ‘total surveillance’.techniques & ‘total surveillance’.

Informelle Mitarbeiter (IMs) (‘informal Informelle Mitarbeiter (IMs) (‘informal collaborators’ or informants: growing reliance collaborators’ or informants: growing reliance for ‘total surveillance’ on coopted members of for ‘total surveillance’ on coopted members of public.public.

By the 1980s had as many as 91,000 agents, By the 1980s had as many as 91,000 agents, plus as many as 300,000 civilians informants.plus as many as 300,000 civilians informants.

Stasi HQ in Berlin-Lichtenberg.

Ulrich Mühe as Stasi agent Weisler in Das Leben der Anderen (The Lives of

Others, 2006).

Society & CultureSociety & Culture Mass organizations extended the reach of the Party into everyday Mass organizations extended the reach of the Party into everyday

life: Free German Trades Union Federation (FDGB), Free German life: Free German Trades Union Federation (FDGB), Free German Youth (FDJ) and Democratic Women’s Association (DFD).Youth (FDJ) and Democratic Women’s Association (DFD).

Membership not strictly speaking compulsory, but failure to join Membership not strictly speaking compulsory, but failure to join could hamper employment prospects etc.could hamper employment prospects etc.

Religious education banned in schools & replaced with compulsory Religious education banned in schools & replaced with compulsory classes in Marxism-Leninism. Schools & Universities teach history, classes in Marxism-Leninism. Schools & Universities teach history, economics etc. from a Marxist viewpoint. economics etc. from a Marxist viewpoint.

JugendweiheJugendweihe – ‘coming of age’ ceremony in which children pledged – ‘coming of age’ ceremony in which children pledged themselves to the Party and the socialist state.themselves to the Party and the socialist state.

1962: Compulsory 18 months military service for all young men 1962: Compulsory 18 months military service for all young men introduced.introduced.

Strict control of cultural life – ‘Socialist Realism’ – art has an Strict control of cultural life – ‘Socialist Realism’ – art has an ideological message.ideological message.

Anti-FascismAnti-Fascism Marxist-Leninist doctrine always Marxist-Leninist doctrine always

interpreted fascism as an outgrowth of interpreted fascism as an outgrowth of capitalism; therefore antifascism linked capitalism; therefore antifascism linked to anti-capitalism (big business as to anti-capitalism (big business as Hitler’s stringpullers).Hitler’s stringpullers).

Fascism also interpreted as a political Fascism also interpreted as a political class war (mainly v. KPD), rather than class war (mainly v. KPD), rather than racial war (v. Jews); GDR paid no racial war (v. Jews); GDR paid no reparations to Israel & anti-Semitic reparations to Israel & anti-Semitic attacks on graveyards persisted.attacks on graveyards persisted.

West German Federal Republic West German Federal Republic viewed as haven of former Nazis, viewed as haven of former Nazis, protected by Anglo-Americans protected by Anglo-Americans (especially in 1950s/60s); antifascism (especially in 1950s/60s); antifascism thus had contemporaneous function of thus had contemporaneous function of anti-westernism (e.g. Berlin Wall anti-westernism (e.g. Berlin Wall officially labelled ‘Antifascist Defence officially labelled ‘Antifascist Defence Rampart’).Rampart’).

SED leadership (mainly Soviet exiles) SED leadership (mainly Soviet exiles) had ambivalent attitude to ‘real’ had ambivalent attitude to ‘real’ antifascist veterans (marginalised antifascist veterans (marginalised ‘inland’ resisters, dissolved veterans’ ‘inland’ resisters, dissolved veterans’ organisations). organisations).

Antifascism an affective moral Antifascism an affective moral argument for wartime generation; but argument for wartime generation; but younger generations increasingly younger generations increasingly indifferent to abstract antifascism.indifferent to abstract antifascism.

Buchenwald memorial: unveiled in 1958, this group represents the

KPD’s leading role in the resistance, with a (historically

dubious) myth of the camp’s self-liberation. Buchenwald was the GDR’s main memorial site for

school visits & veterans’ meetings.

Support for the RegimeSupport for the Regime Initial support for the regime – many welcomed an anti-fascist Initial support for the regime – many welcomed an anti-fascist

and/or socialist state, land reform & nationalization popular, many and/or socialist state, land reform & nationalization popular, many optimistic for the future.optimistic for the future.

However, problems of identity: Germans or East Germans? However, problems of identity: Germans or East Germans? In the 1960s increased acceptance/tolerance of the regime, but little In the 1960s increased acceptance/tolerance of the regime, but little

enthusiasm for it. enthusiasm for it. Most people joined the Party in order to get on rather than because Most people joined the Party in order to get on rather than because

they were committed Communists.they were committed Communists. Increased dissatisfaction in the 1970s & 80s – Churches (one of the Increased dissatisfaction in the 1970s & 80s – Churches (one of the

few organizations which remained outside SED control) acted as few organizations which remained outside SED control) acted as focus & sanctuary for opposition groups; growing environmental focus & sanctuary for opposition groups; growing environmental movement; liberalization in USSR after 1985 had knock-on effect movement; liberalization in USSR after 1985 had knock-on effect (but not at state level).(but not at state level).

HistoriographyHistoriography

Totalitarian InterpretationsTotalitarian InterpretationsA Modernising Dictatorship?A Modernising Dictatorship?Collective BiographiesCollective Biographies

Totalitarian ExplanationsTotalitarian Explanations Popular in 1950s West German interpretations; revival post-1989Popular in 1950s West German interpretations; revival post-1989

Comparisons drawn with brown dictatorship of NSComparisons drawn with brown dictatorship of NS Stress illegitimacy of Soviet occupation & East German ‘puppets’Stress illegitimacy of Soviet occupation & East German ‘puppets’

State ideology of ‘socialist personality’ within collectiveState ideology of ‘socialist personality’ within collective ‘‘Leading role’ of ruling party enshrined in constitutionLeading role’ of ruling party enshrined in constitution Stasi secret policeStasi secret police State control of economyState control of economy Control of mediaControl of media Control of economyControl of economy

Berlin Wall as epitome of state control of individualBerlin Wall as epitome of state control of individual Breached UN human rights on freedom of travelBreached UN human rights on freedom of travel

Also popular with many former GDR citizens; but is this because it denies Also popular with many former GDR citizens; but is this because it denies personal responsibility?personal responsibility?

Authors: Klaus Schroeder, Authors: Klaus Schroeder, Der SED-Staat Der SED-Staat (1998), Eckard Jesse (ed.), (1998), Eckard Jesse (ed.), Totalitarismus im 20. JahrhundertTotalitarismus im 20. Jahrhundert (1998), Anthony Glees, (1998), Anthony Glees, The Stasi FilesThe Stasi Files (2003)(2003)

A Modernising A Modernising Dictatorship?Dictatorship?

Complex industrial economy required ‘rational’ not ‘ideological’ eliteComplex industrial economy required ‘rational’ not ‘ideological’ elite More university graduates enter party apparatus from 1960sMore university graduates enter party apparatus from 1960s Peter C. Ludz, Peter C. Ludz, The Changing Party Elite in East GermanyThe Changing Party Elite in East Germany (1968/72) (1968/72)

Economic reforms of 1960s (New Economic System)Economic reforms of 1960s (New Economic System) Attempt at decentralisation and incentivisation of economyAttempt at decentralisation and incentivisation of economy

Technological revolutionTechnological revolution Special role of intelligentsia in GDR (see dividers on state emblem)Special role of intelligentsia in GDR (see dividers on state emblem) Precision engineering from Dresden & LeipzigPrecision engineering from Dresden & Leipzig 1980s gamble on microchip technology (too high investment costs)1980s gamble on microchip technology (too high investment costs)

Welfare dictatorship (Konrad Jarausch)Welfare dictatorship (Konrad Jarausch) Indirect use of ‘social power’ to predispose groups to choose socialismIndirect use of ‘social power’ to predispose groups to choose socialism Full employment, hospitals, education system > fond memoriesFull employment, hospitals, education system > fond memories

Educational dictatorship (Erziehungsdiktatur)?Educational dictatorship (Erziehungsdiktatur)? Party ‘in loco parentis’, knowing what was good for the peopleParty ‘in loco parentis’, knowing what was good for the people Rolf Henrich, Rolf Henrich, The Guardian StateThe Guardian State (1989); party man turned dissident (1989); party man turned dissident

Collective BiographiesCollective Biographies GDR lasted more than one GDR lasted more than one

generation; post-1949 generation generation; post-1949 generation ‘born into’ socialism.‘born into’ socialism.

Are we patronising GDR citizens Are we patronising GDR citizens by treating them all as ‘released by treating them all as ‘released prisoners’ & victims?prisoners’ & victims?

Gaus, Gaus, Locating GermanyLocating Germany (1983): (1983): ‘niche society’, relatively normal ‘niche society’, relatively normal private life possible behind public private life possible behind public conformity.conformity.

Material culture: 1990s growing Material culture: 1990s growing interest in popular culture of GDR.interest in popular culture of GDR.

Ostalgie/’Eastalgia’: re-issuing of Ostalgie/’Eastalgia’: re-issuing of GDR brands (see the Spreewald GDR brands (see the Spreewald gherkin episode in gherkin episode in Goodbye Goodbye LeninLenin); fight to preserve minor ); fight to preserve minor symbols of difference (traffic light symbols of difference (traffic light man).man).

Danger of ‘commodifying’ the Danger of ‘commodifying’ the GDR past & relativising idealistic GDR past & relativising idealistic motivations.motivations.

Goodbye Lenin (2003): Alex with his allegorical mother/motherland who cannot survive the fall of

the Wall.

The GDR green man.