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