'Ulbricht’s regime was successful in establishing a communist state in East Germany 1949 1971'

'Ulbricht’s regime was successful in establishing a communist state in East Germany 1949 1971'

1. Economic & political system

   • VEBS & nationalisation, collectivisation of agriculture
     • 85% farms collectivised by 1960
     • These nationalised industries accounted for approximately 76% of total industries production and these developed into large combines by the 1970s.
   • 5 and 7 year plans
     • The plans brought about a centralised direction for the economic system, making everyone attempt to match target numbers.
   • Imposition of state socialism
     • Was it really communism when clearly the social elite still existed and workers were not equal? Was equality achieved?
     • Promotion and access to professional or higher positions was only available to political conformists.
     • Voters were given a single list of candidates and asked to declare their support for the new state; the people’s police (KVP) had also been established. Not very communist when they have limited leadership options or are forced to accept the system.

2. Worker's paradise idea

   • NOT A PARADISE
     • Long work hours terrible wages, work quotas were very demanding.
     • Poor working conditions, as well as poor living conditions. 65% of homes had running hot water.
     • Worker's riots of 1953 and 1956 - they would not have rioted if they were in a worker's paradise or a successful communist state. 320,000 went on strike in Berlin, 6% of the total workforce.
   • YES IT WAS A PARADISE
     • Job security - People were guaranteed employment as not working was asocial an punishable by law.
     • Welfare provision - Workers were offered housing, child care, benefits, workplace benefits.

3. Conclusively...

   • Enter your pointless opinions here