The Fall of Communism in East Germany
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

The Fall of Communism in East Germany

The fall of the Berlin Wall is an event the world will always remember.

69
The Fall of Communism in East Germany

The end of communism in East Germany was a result of a number of different factors- from economic anxieties and political issues to social disbelief in the system itself. Before the collapse of communism in the state, there was a "golden period" in East Germany between the years of 1960s-1980s, in which the economy was relatively successful and citizens were able to make enough to live rather than just survive. In this period of time, the ideals of Marx were the most present in the economic structure of the state, as well as the culture of the society at large.

In the 1970s-1980s, however, communism in East Germany also experienced an underlying decline in both the effectiveness of the economic and political structures. This led to a steady decline in the popularity of the communist system as a whole among the people, as they realized the extent of their lack of Western facets of life. The people's longing for the greener pastures of West Germany, and the West in general, led to the eventual unraveling of communism in the GDR. This was manifested most clearly in East German citizens longing for lives different from their own. The people of East Germany"...wanted a better life and they blamed socialism and the Communist Party for the fact that they could not get it" (1, Kopstein). In the wake of an economic crisis, the 1980s in East Germany were the tipping point in the public's opinion of communism. Between the economy not measuring up to West Germany or the West as a whole and the people's desire for materialistic items and political freedoms, the people lost their faith in the regime. The ideology of Marxism in East Germany proved to be interpreted and implemented effectively for a period of time, before the economic decline and lack of citizen support. Marxism at its center is a system that must have the people's backing, as it is supposed to be the "dictatorship of the proletariat." As the control of East German citizens by the government was realized by the people themselves, the proletariat's support waned. This proved how difficult it is to have a truly Marxist, or socialist, society.

In East Germany, Marxist ideology, while it was attempted at, lacked the same structure and intentions in actual play in that state that Karl Marx had envisioned. One huge example of the disparity between Marxist ideology and the German Democratic Republic's actuality was the Berlin Wall. Standing for over 20 years, the wall was "...both the most potent symbol of the GDR's lack of freedom and a reminder of how difficult it was to construct a humane socialist society" (110, Kenney). While the establishment of communism in East Germany would not be considered the beginnings of a Marxist society, with a foreign power- the Soviet Union- beginning the regime in the state, the end of the regime could be considered Marxist in nature.

Kopstein, Jeffrey. "The Politics of Economic Decline in East Germany, 1945-1989." University of North Carolina Press, 1997.

Kenney, Padraic. "A Carnival of Revolution: Central Europe 1989." Princeton University Press, 2003.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

70800
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

132415
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments