How Did Communism Transform the GDR?

How Did Communism Transform the GDR?

1. Economic Change

   • Land Reform
     • Peasants unable to farm profitably as they lacked resources and machinery.
       • 1952 Collectivisation and land production co-operatives LPGs introduced part of 'building of socialism'
         • Tractor lending stations made agriculture more effective. Policies not popular and many fled West.
           • This caused food shortages and drop in production levels, contributing to 1953 unrest.
           • 1959 LPGs made 45% agriculture sector. 1961, 85% but production decreased, rationing returned and more people left.
             • One of the major reasons for the Berlin Wall.
   • Industry and Nationalism
     • 1950s: Many large industries nationalised. Most worked in 'Peoples own factories' owned and managed by state.
       • Increased control by setting targets, handled discipline and ran social activities.
         • Emphasis on heavy industry - Five year plans. Some turn up in economy at end of 1950s.
           • Problems with Five year plans: Ignored consumer demands, quantity not quality, out of date plans, did not link to supply and demand.
             • Living standards improved slowly compared to FRG
             • Seven Year plan 1959: Align economic development of GDR with soviet union. Brought in consumer goods and improved living and working conditions.
               • Consumer goods were expensive and not made in large enough quantities. Rationing did not end till 1958 - why many fled west.
     • 1960s: Berlin Wall stabilised the workforce as there was mass movement to the West.
       • This resulted in some economic freedoms as there was less fear of losing workers.
         • New economic system for planning and direction (NOSPL) was introduced in 1963.
           • Brought more flexibility and input from workers. Allowed workers to share in profits encouraging production and emphasised quality not quantity.
             • Encouraged social change as the middle class left, often to go to the West.

2. Social Change

   • There were opportunities for those committed to the new political system.
     • Peasants: Gained land but later forced to join collective. Better machinery to work farms. Opportunity for education
       • Factory Workers: Opportunity for education and to manage factories if loyal to the party.
         • Women: Many became doctors. Increased support with maternity care, creches and after-school facilities to allow women to work part time.
           • Mass Organisations: State established a number of large organisations to give them control in all aspects of life.
             • Free German Trade Union League (FDGB) for workers but SED controlled. Democratic Women's League of Germany.
               • League of Culture supported intellectuals that worked to establish an anti-fascist state. Society for Sport and Technology prep for military service.
                 • German Soviet Friendship Society worked to improve relations with Russia, reinforce idea that Soviets liberated Germans from fascism.
   • Youth Education
     • Needed the communist view to be won over. Schools became comprehensive polytechnics with links to industry and sport.
       • SED controlled youth organisations. Universities were opened up to all. Those from professional and aristocratic classes were often discriminated against. Left to study West.
         • Youth Opposition: Support for Western culture, based around the rock and roll music. Response varied from clampdowns to tolerance.
   • Religion and the Churches
     • East German society was still religious. 1.5 million Protestants and 1 million Catholics. Marx saw it was the opiate of the people.
       • Church avoided SED changes at first. Ministers not de-nazified or removed from office. Ran own internal affairs.
         • 1946 Law for Democratisation of German schools, removed RE from curriculum. 1952-3 State campaign against Protestant Youth Group. Prevented from remaining in school, taking their final exams and going to uni. Ended June 53

3. The Berlin Wall

   • Many travelled from East to West Berlin - increased in 1956 when the Hungarian uprising was crushed. Left to escape repression.
     • 1958 Khrushchev demanded that Western powers recognise the GDR, withdraw from West Berlin and hand over access routes. Allies ignored this threat.
       • Skilled and qualified workers left East due to attraction of cinemas shops and living standards - severe impact on economy of the East and undermined communism
         • Almost 3 million left from 1949-61.

4. Events of 1961

   • June: Khrushchev pressured Kennedy to withdraw Western forces from W Berlin within 6 months.
     • July 17: West rejected demands, 23: East imposed strict travel restrictions up to 1000 refugees had been leaving everyday.
       • July 25: Kennedy guaranteed West freedom and announced increased arms spending.
         • Aug 13: Barbed wire barrier along border ending free movement. 22: Replaced by concrete wall, all routes to West closed except Checkpoint Charlie
           • Oct: US diplomats and troops crossed into East. 27: Soviet tanks arrived at Checkpoint Charlie and refused to allow access into East.