The GDR: the failure of legitimisation

In: Politics, Band 10, Heft Oct 90

Abstract

The foundation of the GDR was not brought about by popular revolution but imposed by the SED in conjunction with the occupying power. It aimed to be a performance economy with a high degree of equality of opportunity. The Berlin Wall and heavy border defences were legitimised by the SED as reminders that the Bonn authorities did not take sufficient action against Fascist gangs. The SED proved to be incapable of addressing its population's frustrations and hid behind neo-Stalinist rhetoric and insults when challenged by New Forum, who only sought to reform the GDR. 1987 saw the withdrawal of unqualified Soviet support for the SED. (SJK)