CLASS 10 · LEARNING KNOWLEDGE

GDR: Rule, everyday life and opposition – basic principles

How it works

The German Democratic Republic (GDR) emerged 1949 as a socialist state in eastern Germany. The SED (Socialist Unity Party of Germany) exercised political control. State organs such as the Stasi monitored the population. The economy was centrally planned, and there were restrictions on freedom of expression, travel and media. Nevertheless, everyday culture, private niches and various forms of opposition developed – from quiet refusal to open protests. The rule of the SED was based on control, propaganda and repression, but was increasingly questioned, which ultimately led to the Peaceful Revolution 1989.

Note
The GDR was a socialist state with central planning, political control by the SED and restrictions on individual freedoms. Opposition and everyday resistance emerged despite surveillance and repression.

An example

Which body was mainly responsible for monitoring the population in the GDR?

The State Security (Stasi) was responsible for monitoring. The Stasi collected information about citizens in order to prevent oppositional activities and secure the rule of the SED.

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50 Exercises · three difficulty levels · selection and number input

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Own explanation and own practice exercises by AmyMath. Subject reference framework: KMK Educational Standards Mathematics ESA/MSA. The topic assignment may vary by federal state.