Story

Prerequisites for creation

The world-historical victory of the anti-Hitler coalition, the main force of which was the Soviet Union, over German fascism in World War II of 1939-45 created the preconditions for the democratization of the socio-political life of Germany. These prerequisites were fully realized in the territory of the future GDR. However, one very important mistake was made here, which would later become one of the reasons for the disappearance of the GDR -. Under the leadership of the SED, the working class, in alliance with other sections of the working people, with the full support and assistance of the Soviet military administration, which consistently implemented the decisions of the Potsdam Conference, carried out profound revolutionary changes, uprooted fascism and militarism and established an anti-fascist-democratic order.

War criminals and active Nazis were removed from their positions and brought to justice. The National Socialist Party and its organizations were dissolved (while in Germany most of the high-ranking Nazis retained their posts). About 9.3 thousand industrial enterprises that belonged to monopolies, Nazis and war criminals were confiscated and transferred to the ownership of the people. Almost all railway transport was nationalized, people's banks were created instead of capitalist ones, as well as state and cooperative institutions. A public sector emerged in the economy. An agrarian reform was carried out in agriculture, eliminating landlord-junker land ownership. Local authorities confiscated 13.7 thousand farms with a total area of ​​3.3 million hectares, transferring 2.2 million hectares to landless and land-poor peasants. On the rest of the confiscated lands, people's estates were created.

Creation of the GDR

The ruling circles of the Western powers, together with the West German big bourgeoisie, which was supported by the right-wing leaders of social democracy, in violation of the decisions of the Potsdam Conference, set a course for the revival of German militarism. The German monopolies and Western occupation authorities intensified their attack on the democratic forces towards the complete split of the country. Its completion was the formation in September 1949 of a separate West German state - the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). On October 7, 1949, workers in eastern Germany proclaimed the German Democratic Republic. German People's Council(created in March 1948 by the German People's Congress) transformed into a temporary People's Chamber; she put into effect the constitution of the GDR, the draft of which was discussed and approved by the people in 1948-49. On October 11, 1949, the provisional parliament elected the president of the GDR, a sincere communist, one of the founders. On October 12, the Provisional Government of the GDR was formed, headed by O. Grotewohl. The creation of the GDR was important historical event in the life of the German people, a turning point in the history of Germany. The formation of the GDR was a natural result of the anti-fascist-democratic coup, the response of the progressive forces of the German people to the split of Germany by the Western powers and the West German reaction. The GDR was the legitimate heir to the best historical traditions of the German people, the embodiment of the freedom-loving and socialist ideals of its best sons.

Residential complex (Berlin)

The Soviet government transferred control functions that belonged to the Soviet military administration to the GDR. In 1949, the GDR was recognized and diplomatic relations were established with it; in 1957, Yugoslavia established diplomatic relations with the GDR, and in 1963, Cuba.

Socialist transformations

The formation of the GDR was a decisive milestone in the process of the peaceful and gradual development of the anti-fascist-democratic revolution into a socialist one.

With the emergence of the GDR, along with the strengthening of the anti-fascist-democratic order, the process of creating the foundations of socialism began. Under the leadership of the SED, the working class, in alliance with the peasantry and other sections of the working people, made the transition from anti-fascist-democratic state power to worker-peasant power as a form of dictatorship of the proletariat; the 2nd SED Conference (July 1952) proclaimed building the foundations of socialism the main task of the GDR. In building a new society, the GDR relied on the experience and comprehensive assistance of the USSR.

Metallurgical plant "Ost"

The GDR had to overcome difficulties associated primarily with the split of the country. The ruling circles of the Federal Republic of Germany exercised the strongest political and economic pressure on the GDR, carried out subversive activities against it and organized numerous provocations. Also, the development of the country was hampered by a dangerous internal enemy - many former Social Democrats, who found themselves in the party as a result of the unification of the SPD and KPD, wanted only one thing - the speedy restoration of bourgeois order in the country. They were the ones who played decisive role in the destruction of the GDR.

Measures were taken to improve the work of government bodies and to involve the broad masses of workers in government management. In September 1960, the State Council was created from deputies of the People's Chamber, representatives of the SED, democratic parties and mass organizations, the chairman of which was Walter Ulbricht (at that time the first secretary of the SED Central Committee).

In an effort to ensure its state interests, as well as the security of other socialist countries and to stop subversive activities carried out from West Berlin, the GDR, in agreement and with the approval of the Warsaw Pact states, carried out in August 1961 the necessary measures to strengthen security and control on the border with West Berlin . This had a beneficial effect on the entire further development of the GDR.

National People's Army Infantry

In the context of the immediate danger to the GDR created by the remilitarization of the Federal Republic of Germany, the workers of the GDR resolutely advocated taking measures to protect socialist gains. For this purpose it was formed in 1956.

The 7th Congress of the SED, held in April 1967, determined the country's further tasks in creating a developed socialist society. On April 6, 1968, a new, socialist one was adopted by a popular referendum. The main objectives of the long-term plan were fulfilled, and partially exceeded.

With the establishment of workers' and peasants' power and the construction of a socialist society in the GDR, a socialist nation is developing. In 1969, the GDR celebrated its 20th anniversary. Over 20 years, the volume of industrial production in the GDR increased 5 times, national income - more than 4 times.

The SED and the government of the GDR made great efforts to comprehensively strengthen the world socialist community. The GDR has repeatedly taken the initiative in developing ties between socialist countries, in improving the forms and methods of political, economic and military cooperation between socialist states, and in strengthening the coordination of their actions in the international arena.

Union with Germany

By 1990, the situation in the GDR had become critical. The policy of perestroika carried out in Russia became a blow to all countries of the socialist camp. German Chancellor Helmut Kohl demanded Gorbachev's assistance in the unification of Germany. Gorbachev agreed. “Assistance in unification” consisted in the fact that he stopped providing the GDR with all support - economic and political. The Democratic Republic found itself alone, surrounded by enemies, and without allies. Here the Social Democrats, who had been waiting in the wings for forty years, did their job. They, taking advantage of their high position, launched powerful propaganda, convincing the population of the need for “unification.” By “unification” they meant the entry of the GDR into the Federal Republic of Germany. The West German government, relying on the Eastern Social Democrats, demanded “unification.” It indicated that without the help of the allies, the GDR would not last long. A difficult choice was faced - either to maintain independence and worker-peasant power, but doom its citizens to hunger, or to lose independence and give all of East Germany into the hands of the bourgeoisie, but save the country from famine, which would come, because most countries introduced trade sanctions against GDR. it was a great pity to lose the first workers' state on German territory, but he could not doom his citizens to hunger, and at 00:00 hours Central European Time on October 3, 1990, the GDR became part of the Federal Republic of Germany.

The forced unification of the two Germanys had sad consequences for the people. Many social programs carried out in Germany were curtailed. Most East German enterprises were closed or privatized, and workers found themselves on the streets. The GDR army was disbanded, the soldiers were sent to finish their service, and the officers were fired, and they were deprived of military and civilian pensions. The fate of Erich himself is also sad - the German government, having abandoned its promises, issued an arrest warrant. He had to flee to Moscow, where he became the “personal guest” of President M. S. Gorbachev. However, after some time, Gorbachev demanded that he leave the country within three days. He found refuge in the Chilean embassy in Moscow. On July 30, 1992, he was expelled from Russia to Germany. The prosecution against him was dropped due to his poor health. He emigrated to Chile, where he died of cancer in the city of Santiago de Chile on May 29, 1994.

Political system

Shipyard in Rostock

1948-1968

The GDR was, according to the 1949 constitution, a bourgeois-democratic state that carried out socialist transformations. People's democracy was used as a form of government. The German Democratic Republic had a bicameral parliament. The lower house - the People's Chamber - was elected by universal direct secret ballot, the upper house - the House of Lands - was formed through the Landtags. The head of state is the President. The executive body is the government, consisting of the prime minister and ministers appointed by the largest faction of the House of the People.

The territory of the German Democratic Republic was divided into lands, lands into districts, and districts into communities. The legislative bodies of the lands were the Landtags, the executive bodies were the zemstvo governments (Landesregierung), consisting of prime ministers and ministers.

1968-1990

The GDR was, according to the 1968 constitution (as amended in 1974), a socialist republic. All political power in the GDR was exercised by the working people. The highest body of state power is the People's Chamber, which, according to the constitution, included 500 deputies elected by the population for 4 years on the basis of free, universal, equal and direct suffrage by secret ballot. All were represented in the People's Chamber political parties and the largest public organizations GDR. The competence of the People's Chamber included determining, through decisions and laws, the development goals of the GDR, the rules of cooperation between citizens, associations and government bodies, as well as their tasks in implementing social development plans. The House of the People had the exclusive right to adopt a constitution and laws; it elected the chairman and members of the State Council, the chairman and members of the government (Council of Ministers), the chairman of the National Defense Council, members of the Supreme Court, and the Prosecutor General. In the period between sessions of the People's Chamber, tasks arising from laws and decisions were carried out by the State Council (consisting of the chairman, his deputies, members and secretary), which was responsible for its activities to the People's Chamber. The State Council considered bills submitted to the People's Chamber, adopted decrees subject to approval by the People's Chamber, resolved issues of defense and security, and exercised supervision over the legality of the activities of the highest bodies of justice; has the right of amnesty and pardon, etc. The Chairman of the State Council represented the GDR in international relations and ratified state treaties, appointed and recalled representatives of the GDR in other states, etc. Members of the State Council, upon taking office, took an oath before the People's Chamber, the text of which was established by the constitution. The right to vote was granted to all citizens over 18 years of age.

The highest executive body of state power - the government (Council of Ministers), was elected by the People's Chamber for a period of 4 years, consisting of the chairman and members of the government. The Council of Ministers formed the Presidium from among its members.

Local government bodies in districts, districts, cities and communities are popular representatives elected by citizens enjoying the right to vote. Each people's representative office formed its own executive bodies - councils and commissions.

The judicial system of the GDR included the Supreme Court, district, district and public courts (courts elected on a production or territorial basis in the form of conflict or arbitration commissions). All judges, lay assessors and members of public courts were elected by popular representatives or directly by the population. Supervision over the observance of socialist legality was carried out by the prosecutor's office, headed by the Prosecutor General of the GDR.

Economy

Neubrandenburg. House of Culture and Education

The GDR found itself cut off from historically established raw material supply bases. The main deposits of coal, iron ore, and many non-ferrous metals were located in Western Germany (in 1936, the territory now occupied by the Federal Republic of Germany accounted for 98% of all-German coal production and 93% of ferrous metallurgy). Major imbalances arose in the national economy of the GDR. Despite the difficulties, as a result of the labor activity of the working class, a 2-year plan for recovery and development National economy for 1949-50 was completed ahead of schedule. The GDR surpassed the level of industrial development of the corresponding territories of pre-war Germany. The productivity of the main agricultural crops reached pre-war levels. Further development of the economy took place on the basis of long-term plans. As a result of the 1st Five-Year Plan (1951-55), industrial production doubled the level of 1936; metallurgy and heavy engineering were created, brown coal mining and the production of chemical products expanded significantly.

The support provided to it by the USSR and other socialist countries was important in the successes of the GDR. The Soviet Union significantly eased the financial and economic obligations of the GDR associated with the consequences of the 2nd World War. In May 1950, the Soviet government halved reparation payments to the GDR, and from 1954 it completely stopped collecting them. returned free of charge to the GDR the enterprises located on its territory that had previously been transferred to him as reparations, reduced the amount of expenses associated with a temporary stay in the GDR Soviet troops, up to an amount not exceeding 5% of the state budget revenues of the GDR (later the USSR completely abandoned these funds).

At the turn of 1955-56, a new stage in the history of the GDR began. During the implementation of the 1st Five-Year Plan, important foundations of socialism were laid. The question “who wins?” was decided in favor of socialist forces led by the recognized leader of society - the working class.

Optical-mechanical enterprise "Carl Zeiss"

In March 1956, the 3rd SED Conference approved the 2nd Five-Year Plan for the Development of the National Economy (1956-60), the main objective of which was the struggle for scientific and technological progress. The conference called for the extension of socialist production relations to all sectors of the national economy. The conference established that socialist transformations can be carried out peacefully, through state participation in private capitalist enterprises and the creation of production cooperatives of artisans. The most important link was the socialist transformation Agriculture.

By the end of the 50s, the socio-economic structure of the country had changed radically. The socialist sector has become decisive in industry, transport, and trade. Agricultural cooperation was successful. In the GDR, exploitation was ended and unemployment was completely eliminated. The moral and political unity of the people under the leadership of the working class strengthened. Of significant importance was the activity of the National Front of Democratic Germany, which, under the leadership of the SED, united all progressive parties and mass organizations on the platform of peace, democratic reforms, and the construction of socialism.

Thanks to the rapid growth of the national economy, the material well-being of the working people increased, and the network of hospitals, outpatient clinics, rest homes, and children's institutions expanded. A new, socialist culture developed successfully; it was formed and strengthened in the process of overcoming the ideological layers of the past and the reactionary ideology spread by the West German imperialists.

The 6th Congress of the SED (January 1963) adopted the SED Program - a program for the extensive construction of socialism. The congress outlined a long-term program for the development of the national economy for 1970, which provided for the solution of important scientific, technical, economic and social problems. Since 1963, a new system of planning and management of the national economy began to be introduced, providing for further improvement of management and planning methods, widespread application of the principles of material interest, improvement of the structure of production, and a combination of the principle of unity of command with the participation of labor collectives in enterprise management. Socialist competition and the movement of innovators reached great scale, making it possible to achieve high level labor productivity in all sectors of the economy.

Administrative division

The territory of the GDR corresponded to the current six federal states of Germany (Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Brandenburg, Berlin (East Berlin), Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia). In 1952, the country was officially divided into 14 districts with centers in the cities of the same name (15 districts since 1961):

Leipzig. Alter Markt

• Galle District
• Gera District
• District Dresden
• District Suhl
• District Karl-Marx-Stadt
• District of Cottbus
• District Leipzig
• District Magdeburg
• District Neubrandenburg
• District Potsdam
• District Rostock
• District Frankfurt an der Oder
• District of Schwerin
• District Erfurt
• In 1961, East Berlin became an independent district.

Nature

The territory of the GDR is located in the central part Central Europe in the temperate zone. In the North, the country is washed by the Baltic Sea with alternating low and steep shores. The sea forms several bays (Mecklenburg Bay, which branches into the Lübeck and Wismar bays; Greifswalder Bodden) and shallow lagoons, connected to the sea by narrow straits. The GDR owns a number of islands; the largest: Rügen, Usedom (western part) and Pöhl.

Relief

The large northern part of the country is occupied by the Central European Plain (height up to 150-200 m) with a predominance of accumulative glacial and water-glacial landforms, as well as the valleys separating them. The width of the plain in the east is about 300 km, in the west it is about 200 km. The northeastern part of the plain is an undulating lowland with moraine hills; to the south lies the plain of the Mecklenburg Lake District (part of the Baltic ridge) with ridges of terminal moraines (northern ridge, up to 179 m high). To the south (to the area located south of Berlin) stretches a strip of sandy (outwash) low-lying plains with wide, swampy ancient hollows, through which the meltwater of Pleistocene glaciers and rivers drained into the Elbe Valley. The southern edge of the Central European Plain is made up of the southern ridge of moraines - a strip of gently rolling hills of Fleming and Lausicka (up to 201 meters high), composed of sands and eroded moraine material, covered with loess. The southern regions of the country are occupied by medium-high mountains, strongly dissected by rivers: in the West - the eastern part of the Harz Mountains, in the South-West - the Thuringian Forest, in the South - the northern slopes of the Ore Mountains with the highest peak in the GDR, Fichtelberg (1213 m).

Geological structure and minerals

The southern part of the territory of the GDR belongs to the Epihercynian platform, the formation of the folded foundation of which involved structures of Paleozoic and Precambrian age. In the northern part of the territory, the age of the folded foundation has not been established, since it is buried to a considerable depth (in places more than 5 km); According to seismic exploration and drilling data (Rügen Island), the foundation of the north of the country belongs to the Precambrian East European Platform and is probably heavily reworked by Paleozoic folding. The cover of the platform of Mesozoic and Neogene age in the north is composed of gently lying layers of sedimentary rocks, of which mainly marine and continental Neogene deposits (sands, clays), as well as glacial and aquaglacial deposits of the Anthropogene, are exposed on the surface. Near the coast of the Baltic Sea, Mesozoic and Cenozoic rocks come to the surface in places. Salt tectonics are widely developed throughout the lowland. In the southern region of the country, folded Paleozoic structures that underwent long-term denudation, as a result of activation in the Cenozoic, were transformed into block and horst uplifts (the Lausitz massif, the Ore Mountains, the Thuringian Forest, the Harz, etc.) and extensive depressions (the Thuringian Basin, etc.). The massifs are composed of ancient crystalline sedimentary, metamorphic and intrusive rocks, the depressions are filled with clays, sandstones and limestones.

Associated with the platform cover are large deposits of brown coal, potassium salts and cuprous shales, gas and oil, and with the folded foundation of the Hercynian zone (in the south of the German Democratic Republic) are various deposits of ore minerals (lead-zinc, iron, uranium ores).

Climate

The climate is temperate, marine in the North and North-West, and transitional from maritime to continental in other areas. Average January temperatures in the North range from −0.1 °C to 0.6 °C, in Vosotok up to −1.5 °C, in the southern mountainous regions −4, −5 °C; July in coastal areas 16-17 °C, in the middle part of the country from 17.5 °C to 18.5 °C, in the mountains 15-16 °C. The annual precipitation in the North is 525-650 mm, in the East and in the middle part 480-610 mm, in the mountains 900-1100 mm (in the Garzado ridge zone 1500 mm). Most precipitation falls in the form of rain. Snowfalls occur annually, but stable snow cover does not last long (on the plains up to 30 days, in the mountains sometimes more than 100 days).

Inland waters

Most of the territory of the GDR belongs to the river basin. Elbe; a small territory in the East - to the river basin. Oder, in the North - directly to the Baltic Sea basin, in the West - to the river basin. Weser, in the South-West - to the river basin. Main (tributary of the Rhine). The largest tributaries of the Elbe are the Havel with the Spree, the Saale with the Weisse-Elster and Unstrut, the Schwarze-Elster, and the Mulde. The rivers are predominantly rain-fed; Maximum water consumption is in the spring, during snowmelt, and sometimes also in the summer, after heavy rains. On some rivers there is short-term freeze-up in winter (the Oder freezes for an average of a month, the Elbe for 10 days). In the South, rivers predominantly flow in mid-altitude mountains and are characterized by mixed snow and rain feeding; A significant number of reservoirs and hydroelectric power stations have been built here. Many rivers are connected by canals. There are many marshes and lakes in the Mecklenburg Lake District and south of Berlin. The largest lakes: Müritz, Schweriner See, Plauer See, Kummerover See. Resources inland waters used for water supply, energy, and transport.

Soils

Podzolic soils are widespread, especially characteristic of the northern (soddy-palevo-podzolic soils) and central (sandy and sandy loam soddy-podzolic soils) regions. Podzolic soils are also found in mountainous areas with high rainfall. Brown and gray forest soils (about 1/4 of the country's area) form large tracts on the cover loams and boulder clays of the Mecklenburg Lake District, as well as in the South-West. The carbonate rocks of Thuringia include stony humus-carbonate soils, and rendzins are found on limestones. On the loess and loess-like loams of the eastern and northern foothills of the Harz (Magdeburg Börde) and the plains of the Turpigen basin, the most fertile soils of the GDR are developed - chernozems (sometimes leached and podzolized or in combination with brown and silty soils). In poorly drained depressions of ancient glacial plains, as well as in the upper belt of mountains, there are swamp and peat-bog soils that are intensively drained. In the mountains there are predominantly forest mountain brown soils.

Vegetation

In the Holocene, the territory of the GDR had continuous forest cover. Due to the constant expansion of agricultural land, the forest area has decreased to 27.3%. Forests predominate, mostly highly cultivated and planted. Large tracts of pine forests are located in the north. Broadleaf and pine forests are preserved on the outwash plains in the vicinity of Berlin. In the mountains there are beech and spruce forests with an admixture of fir, hornbeam, and maple. The Mecklenburg Lake District is characterized by small but numerous tracts of beech and oak-beech forests with an admixture of birch, pine on sandy soils and alder in the floodplains. In other areas, forests are interspersed between fields and gardens. In the North, as well as on the Fleming Hills, there are heather, juniper and grassy heaths. On ancient glacial plains, in places of weak surface flow, there are partially forested swamps and wetlands.

Animal world

The fauna is represented mainly by forest species (deer, roe deer, wild boar, etc.). There are small mammals (brown hare, field mice, hamsters, wild rabbits, which are partially destroyed as agricultural pests). Beavers, pine martens, and wild cats are preserved in the Elbe Valley. Typical birds include sparrows, starlings, woodpeckers, blackbirds, cuckoos, finches, swallows, orioles, owls, magpies, harriers, as well as partridges and pheasants. The number of partridges and pheasants is increasing due to conservation measures. The bustard, eagle owl, stone eagle, heron, crane and stork are preserved mainly in nature reserves. Wading birds include woodcocks, lapwings, snipes, and white storks. The reservoirs are home to crucian carp, carp, tench, perch, bream, pike, eel, and trout.

Reserves

17% of the GDR's area was declared protected areas. Most of them were located on the coast of the Baltic Sea, in the Northern Ridge and midlands. In 1971, there were 651 nature reserves (the largest is Müritz, about 6.3 thousand hectares - the nesting site of the gray crane). There were over 400 places for recreation.

Natural areas

1. Central European plain with hilly terrain and wide valleys, a large number of lakes, a dense network of rivers, a predominance of pine, beech and mixed forests, podzolic, brown and gray forest soils;
2. The plains of the Thuringian Basin in the South-West of the GDR with a relatively dry climate, broad-leaved and pine forests, humus-carbonate and silty soils on a loess substrate;
3. Medium-altitude mountains in the south of the country with alternating horst uplifts and intramountain depressions, a humid and cool mountain climate, long-term snow cover, spruce and beech forests on mountain brown and podzolic soils.

Population

The national composition of the GDR was homogeneous: Germans made up over 99% of the population. The only national minority are the Slavic-speaking Lusatians, or Sorbs (about 100 thousand people), who lived in the east of the country in the districts of Cottbus and Dresden. The majority of believers (about 86%) belonged to Protestants (Lutherans), the rest were predominantly Catholics. The official calendar is Gregorian.

Political organizations

Political parties

• The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) (Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands), was formed in April 1946 as a result of the unification on the basis of Marxism-Leninism of the Communist Party of Germany and the Socialist Party democratic party Germany.
• Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) (Christlich-Demokratische Union Deutschlands);
• Liberal Democratic Party of Germany (LDPD) (Liberal-Demokratische Partei Deutschlands);
• National Democratic Party of Germany (NDPG) (National-Demokratische Partei Deutschlands);
• Democratic Peasants' Party of Germany (DKPD) (Demokratische Bauernpartei Deutschlands).

Trade unions and other public organizations

• National Front of Democratic Germany (NFDG) (Nationale Front des demokratischen Deutschland). Developed in 1949-50 from the German People's Congress movement. United all political parties and mass public organizations of the GDR.
• Association of Free German Trade Unions (OSNP);
• Union of Free German Youth;
,

The years 1945-1948 became a thorough preparation, which led to the split of Germany and the appearance on the map of Europe of two countries formed in its place - the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic. Decoding the names of states is interesting in itself and serves as a good illustration of their different social vectors.

Post-war Germany

After the end of World War II, Germany found itself divided between two occupation camps. The eastern part of this country was occupied by troops Soviet army, the western part was occupied by the Allies. The western sector was gradually consolidated, the territories were divided into historical lands, which were administered by local governments. In December 1946, a decision was made to unite the British and American occupation zones - the so-called. Bisonia. It became possible to create a unified land management body. Thus, the Economic Council was created - an elected body empowered to make economic and financial decisions.

Prerequisites for the split

First of all, these decisions concerned the implementation of the “Marshall Plan” - a large-scale American financial project, aimed at restoring the economies of European countries destroyed during the war. The Marshall Plan contributed to the separation of the eastern zone of occupation, since the USSR government did not accept the proposed assistance. Subsequently, different visions of the future of Germany by the allies and the USSR led to a split in the country and predetermined the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR.

Education Germany

The western zones needed full unification and official state status. In 1948, consultations between Western allied countries took place. The outcome of the meetings was the idea of ​​creating a West German state. In the same year, the French occupation zone also joined Bisonia - thus the so-called Trizonia was formed. The Western lands carried out a monetary reform with the introduction of their own currency. The military governors of the united lands proclaimed the principles and conditions for the creation of a new state, placing special emphasis on its federalism. In May 1949, the preparation and discussion of its Constitution ended. The state was named Germany. The decoding of the name sounds like Germany. Thus, the proposals of land self-government bodies were taken into account, and republican principles of governing the country were outlined.

Geographically, the new country was located on 3/4 of the lands it occupied former Germany. Germany had its own capital - the city of Bonn. The governments of the anti-Hitler coalition, through their governors, exercised control over the observance of the rights and norms of the constitutional system, controlled its foreign policy, and had the right to intervene in all areas of the economic and scientific activities of the state. Over time, the status of the lands was revised in favor of greater independence for the lands of Germany.

Education of the GDR

The process of state creation also took place in the eastern German lands occupied by the troops of the Soviet Union. The controlling body in the east was SVAG - the Soviet Military Administration. Under the control of SVAG, local government bodies - lantdagi - were created. Marshal Zhukov was appointed commander-in-chief of the SVAG, and in fact the master of East Germany. Elections to the new government bodies were held according to the laws of the USSR, that is, on a class basis. By special order of February 25, 1947, the Prussian state was liquidated. Its territory was divided between new lands. Part of the territory went to the newly formed Kaliningrad region, all settlements of the former Prussia were Russified and renamed, and the territory was populated by Russian settlers.

Officially, SVAG maintained military control over the territory of East Germany. Administrative control was carried out by the central committee of the SED, which was completely controlled by the military administration. The first step was the nationalization of enterprises and lands, confiscation of property and its distribution on a socialist basis. In the process of redistribution, an administrative apparatus was formed that took on the functions of state control. In December 1947, the German People's Congress began to function. In theory, the Congress was supposed to unite the interests of West and East Germans, but in fact in the Western lands its influence was insignificant. After the separation of the western lands, the NOC began to perform the functions of parliament exclusively in the eastern territories. The Second National Congress, formed in March 1948, carried out the main events related to the Constitution of the emerging country being prepared. By special order, the German mark was issued - thus, the five German states located in the zone of Soviet occupation switched to a single monetary unit. In May 1949, the Socialist Constitution was adopted and the Inter-Party Social and Political National Front was formed. The preparation of the eastern lands for the formation of a new state was completed. On October 7, 1949, at a meeting of the German Supreme Council, the creation of a new body of supreme state power, called the Provisional People's Chamber, was announced. In fact, this day can be considered the date of birth of a new state created in opposition to the Federal Republic of Germany. Decoding the name of the new state in East Germany - the German Democratic Republic, East Berlin became the capital of the GDR. The status was specified separately. For many years, the ancient city was divided into two parts by the Berlin Wall.

Development of Germany

The development of countries such as the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic was carried out using different economic systems. The Marshall Plan and the effective economic policies of Ludwig Erhrad allowed the economy to quickly grow in West Germany. Large GDP growth was announced. Guest workers arriving from the Middle East provided an influx of cheap labor. In the 50s, the ruling CDU party adopted a number of important laws. These include a ban on the activities of the Communist Party, the elimination of all consequences of Nazi activities, and a ban on certain professions. In 1955, the Federal Republic of Germany joined NATO.

Development of the GDR

The self-government bodies of the GDR, which were in charge of the administration of the German lands, ceased to exist in 1956, when a decision was made to liquidate local self-government bodies. The lands began to be called districts, and district councils began to represent the executive power. At the same time, the personality cult of advanced communist ideologists began to be implanted. The policy of Sovietization and nationalization led to the fact that the process of restoration of the post-war country was greatly delayed, especially against the backdrop of the economic successes of Germany.

Settlement of relations between the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany

Deciphering the contradictions between the two fragments of one state gradually normalized relations between the countries. In 1973, the Treaty came into force. He regulated relations between Germany and the GDR. In November of the same year, Germany recognized the GDR as an independent state, and the countries established diplomatic relations. The idea of ​​​​creating a single German nation was introduced into the Constitution of the GDR.

End of the GDR

In 1989, a powerful political movement “New Forum” emerged in the GDR, which provoked a series of outrages and demonstrations in all major cities East Germany. As a result of the resignation of the government, one of the activists of the New Norum, G. Gysi, became the chairman of the SED. The mass rally that took place on November 4, 1989 in Berlin, at which demands for freedom of speech, assembly and expression of will were proclaimed, had already been agreed upon with the authorities. The response was a law allowing GDR citizens to cross without a valid reason. This decision was the reason for the division of the German capital for many years.

In 1990, the Christian Democratic Union came to power in the GDR, which immediately began to consult with the German government on the issue of uniting countries and creating a single state. On September 12, an agreement was signed in Moscow between representatives of the former allies of the anti-Hitler coalition on the final settlement of the German question.

The unification of Germany and the GDR would have been impossible without the introduction of a single currency. An important step in this process was the recognition of the German Deutsche Mark as a common currency throughout Germany. On August 23, 1990, the People's Chamber of the GDR decided to annex the eastern lands to the Federal Republic of Germany. After this, a series of transformations were carried out that eliminated socialist institutions of power and reorganized state bodies along the West German model. On October 3, the army and navy of the GDR were abolished, and instead of them, the Bundesmarine and Bundeswehr - the armed forces of the Federal Republic of Germany - were stationed in the eastern territories. The decoding of the names is based on the word "Bundes", which means "federal". The official recognition of the eastern lands as part of the Federal Republic of Germany was secured by the adoption of new subjects of state law by the Constitutions.

GDR, a state in Central Europe in 1949-1990, on the territory of the modern lands of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Pered-nyaya Pomerania niya, Sak-so-niya, Sak-so-niya-An-halt, Tyu-rin-giya Fe-de-ra-tiv-noy Res-pub-li-ki Germany.

The capital is Berlin (Eastern). Us. OK. 17 million people (1989).

The GDR arose on October 7, 1949 on the territory of the Soviet zone of the Ok-ku-pa-tion of Germany as a temporary state. formation in response to the training in May 1949 on an American, British base. and French zones ok-ku-pa-tion (see Tri-zonia) se-pa-rat-no-go z.-germ. state - Germany (for more details, see the articles of Germany, Berlin Crisis, German Question 1945-90). In admin. From now on, since 1949 it has been divided into 5 lands, and since 1952 - into 14 districts. East Berlin had a status department. adm.-terr. eat.

In po-li-tich. sis-te-me of the GDR leading role in the game of the Socialist United Party of Germany (SED), formation -Vav-shaya-Xia in 1946 as a result of the merger on the territory of the Sov. zones of the ok-ku-pa-tion of the Kom-mu-ni-sti-che-skaya party of Germany (KPD) and So-ci-al-de-mo-kra-ti-che-skaya Party of Germany (SPD). In the GDR, the actions are the same for the German party: Christian-sti-an-sko-de-mo-kra-tich. Union of Ger-ma-nii, Li-beral-no-de-mo-kra-tich. party of Germany and the newly created National-democratic countries. par-tiya Ger-ma-nii and De-mo-kra-tich. Christian party of Germany. All the parties gathered in De-mo-kra-tich. block and declared about the pri-ver-wives-no-sti ideal-lams of social-cya-liz-ma. Parties and mass organizations (Association of free German trade unions, Union of free German trade unions) -lo-de-zhi, etc.) entered the National. front of the GDR.

The highest for-ko-no-date. org-nom of the GDR was Nar. pa-la-ta (400 dep., 1949-63, 1990; 500 dep., 1964-89), from-bi-equal-shay by all-common direct secret vy- hog. The head of the state in 1949-60 was the president (this position was held by co-chairman of the SED V. Pik). After the death of V. Pi-ka, the post of president was divided, and Nar became the collective head of the state. pa-la-toy and under-reporting to her the State. council, headed by the head of the State Council: V. Ulbricht, 1960-73; V. Shtof, 1973-76; E. Ho-nekker, 1976-89; E. Krenz, 1990). The highest org-nom is-pol-nit. the power was the Council of Ministries, which also came from Nar. pa-la-toy and was under-what-ten to her (pre-se-da-te-li So-ve-ta mi-ni-st-row: O. Gro-te-vol, 1949-64; V. Shtof, 1964-73, 1976-89; H. Zinderman, 1973-76; H. Modrov, 1989-90). Nar. pa-la-ta from-bi-ra-la before. National co-ve-ta ob-ro-ny, prev. and members of the Verkhov-no-go su-da and the general-no-go pro-ku-ro-ra of the GDR.

Normal functioning is very strong due to suffering from the military. dey-st-viy eco-no-mi-ki East. Germany, and then the GDR, from the very beginning it was os-false-not-but you paid re-pa-ra-tions in favor of the USSR and Poland. In the wake of the decisions of the Berlin (Pot-handed) conference of 1945 USA, Great Britain and France so-ra-li re-pa-rac. from their zones, as a result of which practically all the burden of re-pa-rations fell on the GDR, from-on- chal-but-us-tu-fell-in-eco-no-mich. from the Federal Republic of Germany. As of December 31, 1953, the amount of re-payments paid by Germany amounted to 2.1 billion German. ma-rock, at the same time as re-pa-rac. paid the GDR for the same period with 99.1 billion German. ma-rock. Do-la de mont-ta-zha prom. enterprises and from the current production of the GDR reached the beginning. 1950s kri-tich. volumes. An immeasurable load of re-pa-ra-tions, along with the mistakes of the leadership of the SED led by W. Ulbrich, took our course towards the “accelerated construction of social-cialis-ma”, leading to the transfer of eco-no-mi-ki res -pub-li-ki and you-called openly not-to-free-st-in-the-se-le-tion, which-appeared in the course of- life 17.6.1953. The turmoil that began as a movement for the East Berlin builders. work against the increase in standards you-work-ki, oh-va-ti-li b. including ter-ri-to-rii of the GDR and when-about-re-li ha-rak-ter an-ti-pra-vi-tel-st-ven-nyh vy-stu-p-le-niy. The support of the USSR allowed the authorities of the GDR to play with time, re-build their own political system and then stand on their own -tel-but in a short time, establish a position in the re-public. The “new course” was announced, one of the goals of which was to improve the living conditions of the world -le-nia (in 1954 there was a line for the predominant development of heavy industry; however, it was restored -on the). In order to uk-re-drink the eco-no-mi-ku of the GDR, the USSR and Poland from collecting the remaining part of the re-pa from it -rations in the amount of 2.54 billion dollars.

Providing support to the government of the GDR, the leadership of the USSR, one-on-one, pro-vo-di-lo course for the restoration of the country -le-nie of one germ. state At the Berlin Council of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the Four Powers in 1954, it again took the initiative -how to ensure the unity of Germany as mi-ro-lu-bi-vo-go, de-mo-kra-tich. state, not studying in the military. soyu-zah and blocks, and out-of-layer the proposal to create time. general-German-government-vi-tel-st-vo on the basis of do-go-vo-ren-no-sti between the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany and entrusted to there is no pro-ve-de-tion of free elections. Created according to the re-zul-ta-there election of the German-society National National. the council should have worked to establish a unified Germany and form a government -vi-tel-st-vo, the right-to-conclude a peace treaty. However, the proposal of the USSR did not receive support from the Western side. powers, on the flock of members of the united Germany in NATO.

The position of the governments of the USA, Great Britain and France in Germany. in-pro-se and after-before-you in May 1955, the entry of Germany into NATO, prin-ci-pi-al-but from-men-niv-neck military-en.- po-li-tich. si-tua-tion to the Center. Europe, is there a reason for the USSR leadership to re-examine the line in the matter? -di-ne-niya Germany. Su-s-st-v-va-nyiu of the GDR and located on its territory Group of owls. troops in Germany have become a center. element in the system of ensuring the security of the USSR in Europe. on the right. So-cia-li-stich. society the device has become regarded as complete. ga-ran-tiya from the absorption of the GDR, Western-German. state-vom and development of co-yuz-nich. from the USSR. In Aug. 1954 owls ok-ku-pats. The authorities are behind the process of re-re-da-chi of the GDR state. su-ve-re-ni-te-ta, on Sept. 1955 Sov. Union under-pi-sal with the GDR fun-dam. do-go-vor about the basics from-no-she-niy. Parallel-but the all-round in-te-gra-tion of the GDR in the eco-no-mich was promoted. and po-li-tich. structures from other European countries. so-cia-li-stich. states In May 1955, the GDR became a member of the Warsaw-based Organization.

About-sta-new-ka around the GDR and internally. si-tua-tion in the very re-pub-li-ke in the 2nd half. 1950s should I stay with my wife? There were circles on Za-pa-de ak-ti-vi-zi-ro-va-gi, which would-you go-to for military use . forces in relation to the GDR with the aim of connecting it to the Federal Republic of Germany. On the middle ground. are-not the government of the Federal Republic of Germany since the fall of 1955 on the pro-di-lo line for the isolation of the GDR and you-stu-pa-lo with pre-ten-zi-ey to a single-personal representation of the Germans (see “Hal-shte-na dok-tri-na”). A particularly dangerous si-tua-tion warehouse was located on the territory of Ber-lin. Zap. Berlin, which is under the control of ok-ku-pats. ad-mi-ni-st-ra-tions of the USA, Ve-li-ko-bri-ta-nii and France and not from the GDR state. the border has actually turned into the center of disruptive activity against it, both economically and and in-li-ti-che-skoy. Eco-no-mich. in the GDR because of the open border with the West. Ber-li-nom in 1949-61 with-sta-vi-li approx. 120 billion ma-rock. Through Zap. Berlin for the same period of the GDR is not-le-gal-but-ki-nu-lo ok. 1.6 million people This would be the main thing. qualified workers, engineers, doctors, trained honey. per-so-nal, teach-te-la, pro-fes-so-ra, etc., the care of some seriously impeded the function-ni-ro-va-nie all the state-ven-no-go me-ha-niz-ma of the GDR.

In an effort to improve the security of the GDR and defuse the situation in the Center. Europe, USSR in Nov. 1958 you stepped out with the initiative to pre-do-ta-vit Zap. Ber-li-nu sta-tus de-mi-li-ta-ri-zov. freely, that is, turn it into a city of its own. po-li-tich. food that has a controlled and oh-so-great border. In Jan. 1959 Sov. The union presented a project for peace with Germany, which could be under the control of the Federal Republic of Germany and the GDR or something their con-fe-de-ra-tsi-ey. However, the proposals of the USSR again did not receive support from the USA, Great Britain and France . 13.8.1961 according to the re-co-men-da-tion of the Council of the Sec-re-ta-ray com-mu-ni-stich. and working parties of the countries of Warsaw before (3-5.8.1961) government of the GDR in one side it in a row introduced a state regime. borders in the region of the West. Ber-li-na and came to the establishment of border-crossing borders (see Berlin Wall).

The construction of the Berlin Wall behind the ruling circles of the Federal Republic of Germany will re-look at its course as in Germany. in-pro-se, and in ot-no-she-ni-yah with social-cia-li-stich. countries of Europe. After Aug. 1961 The GDR gained the possibility of quiet development and internal con-so-li-da-tion. The Uk-re-p-le-niu of the GDR contributed to its agreement on friendship, mutual assistance and cooperation -no-thing with the USSR (12.6.1964), in which the non-connection of the borders of the GDR was declared one of the main. fact-to-ditch europ. safety. By 1970, the eco-no-mi-ka of the GDR according to the basic. because of them, the industrial level has risen. production from Germany in 1936, although its number in the village was only 1/4 of the former village. ray-ha. In 1968, there was a new Constitution, which was op-re-de-li-la of the GDR as a “socio-li-sti-che-go” -su-dar-st-of the German-nation” and for-cre-pi-la the ru-co-vo-dying role of the SED in the state and society. In Oct. 1974 in the text of the Constitution there was no clarification about the presence in the GDR of a “socio-li-sti-che-German na- tion."

Coming to power in Germany in 1969 by the government of V. Brand, who took the path of ure-gu-li-ro-va-niya from-no-she- niy with so-tsia-li-stich. country-on-mi (see “New eastern po-li-ti-ka”), sti-mu-li-ro-val in the-te-p-le-nie so-vet-sko -behind-the-West-German-from-no-she-ny. In May 1971, E. Honekker, who spoke for the norm, was elected to the post of 1st Secretary of the SED Central Committee. for the relationship between the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany and for the promotion of eco-no-mich. and social reforms for the purpose of strengthening socialization in the GDR.

From the beginning 1970s The government of the GDR began to develop a dialogue with the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, which led to the signing in December. 1972 to-go-vo-ra about os-no-vah from-no-she-niy between two go-su-dar-st-va-mi. Following this, the GDR was recognized in the West. der-ja-va-mi, and on September. 1973 joined the UN. Means. us-pe-khov res-pub-li-ka before-bi-las in eco-no-mich. and social spheres. Among the countries - members of the CMEA its industry and s. x-do-tig-li-highest-for-the-production-product-no-sti, as well as my very-highest degree on -uch.-technical. development in the non-military sector; in the GDR there was the highest socialist. countries level of demand per capita per capita. According to the prom. development in the 1970s. The GDR came in 10th place in the world. However, despite the sign. progress, in terms of living standards to the end. 1980s The GDR is still seri- ous from the Federal Republic of Germany, which is not a problem for the situation in the village.

In the conditions, there are rows of rows between them. on-straight-womanhood in the 1970s and 80s. The ruling circles of the Federal Republic of Germany pursued a policy of “change through rapprochement” in relation to the GDR, making the main point. emphasis on expanding economic, cultural and “human relations” with the GDR without fully recognizing it -valuable state. With the installation of di-pl-ma-tich. from the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany they talked to me not in common, as is common practice in the world, but in hundred-yan-ny-mi before-sta-vi-tel-st-va-mi with di-pl-ma-tich. sta-tu-som. Gra-yes-not the GDR, in the West-Germany. territory, as before, without any conditions, could the Federal Republic of Germany become a city, be called mi to serve in the Bundes Wehr, etc. For the citizens of the GDR who visited the Federal Republic of Germany, the "welcome" payment was preserved veins of money", the sum of which to the end. 1980s co-sta-la-la 100 ma-rock of Germany for every member of the family, including infants. Active an-ti-so-tsia-li-stich. pro-pa-gan-du and kri-ti-ku po-li-ti-ki ru-ko-vo-dstva of the GDR ve-li radio and television-vid-de-nie of the Federal Republic of Germany, re-re- Yes, there were some people practically all over the territory of the GDR. Po-li-tich. circles of the Federal Republic of Germany support any manifestations of op-po-zi-tsi-on-sti among the citizens of the GDR and encourage them escape from the republic.

In the conditions of the island ideo-logich. against-bor-st-va, in the center of something-ho-di-there was a pro-ble-ma ka-che-st-va of life and de-mo-kra- tich. freedom, the leadership of the GDR tried to regulate the “human relations” between the two go-su-dar-st-va-mi pu-tem og-ra-ni-che-niya po-ez-dok gra-zh-dan of the GDR in Germany, osus-sche-st-v-la-lo from to -with the power of the state org. safety-no-sti (“shta-zi”) increased control over the mood in the village, pre-following the activities -lei op-po-zi-tion. All this is just an intensification that has grown from the beginning. 1980s internal tension in the republic.

Re-building in the USSR most of the villages of the GDR met with encouragement, in the na-de-zh-de that she will contribute to the development of de-mo-kra-tich. freedom in the GDR and the removal of restrictions on travel to Germany. One-on-the-ru-co-dstvo of the re-pub-li-ki not-ga-tiv-but-did-not-go-to-the-processes, once-ra-chi-vav-shim- Xia in Sov. Soyu-ze, considering them as dangerous for the de-la social-liz-ma, and decided to take the path of pro-ve-de-re-forms. By the fall of 1989, the situation in the GDR had become critical. The elk has begun to flee to the village of the re-pub-li-ki through the border opened by the government of Hungary Austria and the territory of the German Embassy in Eastern Europe. countries In the cities of the GDR there is a pro-ho-di-li mass de-mon-st-ra-tion pro-test. Trying to establish a bi-li-zi-ro-to-sta-nov-ku, the leadership of the SED 10/18/1989 announced about the os-in-bo-zh -de-nii E. Kho-nek-ra from all his duties. But E. Krentz, who replaced Kho-nek-ker, could not save the situation. 9.11.1989 in the conditions of the adm. the restoration of free movement across the border of the GDR with Germany has not happened and control points of the Berlin Wall. Crisis po-li-tich. sis-te-we re-grew into the crisis state. On December 1, 1989, the clause on the governing role of the SED was removed from the Constitution of the GDR. 12/7/1989 real power in the re-public was transferred to the creation of Evan-ge-lich. church Around the table, in which the old parties and mass organizations were represented -za-tions of the GDR and new non-formal po-li-tich. or-ga-ni-za-tion. At the 18.3.1990 par-lament elections of the SED, re-named into the Party de-mo-kra-tich. so-tsia-liz-ma, po-ter-pe-la po-ra-zhe-nie. Kva-li-fi-tsir. most tires in Nar. pa-la-te po-lu-chi-li side-ron-ni-ki entry of the GDR into the Federal Republic of Germany. Re-she-ni-em but-in-go par-la-men-ta was up-divided by the State. Council of the GDR, and its functions are re-da-ny Pre-zi-diu-mu Nar. pa-la-you. The head of the koa-persons. The leader of the Christian de-mo-kra-tov of the GDR, L. de Mezier, was elected as the prime minister. The new government of the GDR announced the ut-ra-tiv-shi-mi si-lu for-the-cons, for-the-cre-p-lyav-shie-tsia -li-stitch. state establishment of the GDR, entered into negotiations with the leadership of the Federal Republic of Germany on the conditions for the establishment of two -states and 18.5.1990 signed a state agreement with him. do-go-vor about va-lyut-nom, eco-no-mich. and so-ci-al-nom soyu-ze. In parallel, negotiations were carried out between the governments of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic with the USSR, the USA, Great Britain and France. she cares about problems connected with the volume of Germany. The leadership of the USSR headed by M.S. Li-k-vi-da-tsi-ey of the GDR and member-st of the united Germany in NATO. By own ini-tsia-ti-ve it raised a question about you being from the territory of the GDR Sov. military-in-skogo kon-tin-gen-ta (since mid-1989 it was called the Western Group of Forces) and undertook to implement this water in a short time - within 4 years.

On July 1, 1990, the state government came into force. agreement about the union of the GDR with the Federal Republic of Germany. Western Germany began to operate on the territory of the GDR. eco-no-mich. right, and the payment medium has become a brand of Germany. 31.8.1990 government of two german states. state-states under-pi-sa-li do-go-thief about ob-e-di-ne-nii. 12.9.1990 in Moscow, representatives of six states (Germany and the German Democratic Republic, as well as the USSR, USA, Great Britain and France) put their under-pi-si under “Do-go-vo-rum about the window-cha-tel-nom ure-gu-li-ro-va-nii in from-but -she-nii Ger-ma-nii", in collaboration with which-country-zha-you - on-be-di-tel-ni-tsy in the 2nd mi- ro-howl-didn’t declare the termination of “their rights and responsibility in relation to Ber-lin and Germany as a whole” and the pre-dos-ta-vi-li of the ob-e-di-nyon-noy Germany “complete su-ve-re-ni-tet over its own mi internal-ren-ni-mi and external-ni-mi de-la-mi.” 10/3/1990 the agreement on the unification of the GDR and the Federal Republic of Germany came into force, the West-Berlin-li-tion took under oh -ra-well government. educational establishment of the GDR in the East. Ber-li-ne. The GDR as a state has pre-kra-ti-la its existence. Ple-bis-tsi-ta on this issue neither in the GDR nor in the Federal Republic of Germany.

Additional literature:

Is-to-ria of the German De-mo-kra-ti-che-res-pub-li-ki. 1949-1979. M., 1979;

Geschichte der Deutschen Demokratischen Republik. B., 1984;

Socialism of the national flowers of the GDR. M., 1989;

Bahrmann H., Links C. Chronik der Wende. B., 1994-1995. Bd 1-2;

Lehmann H. G. Deutschland-Chronik 1945-1995. Bonn, 1996;

Modrow H. Ich wollte ein neues Deutschland. B., 1998.

Illustrations:

In the Pre-zi-dium-me Ob-di-ni-tel-no-go (Uch-re-di-tel-no-go) congress of the SED. Berlin. 21.4.1946. On the left is V. Peak, on the right is O. Gros-te-vol. BRE Archive;

June 17, 1953 in Vost. Ber-li-ne. BRE Archive;

Para-rad of fighting workers' squads in the East. Ber-li-ne. August 1961. BRT Archive;

Flag of the German Democratic Republic. BRE Archive;

Berlin. Pa-no-ra-ma Alek-san-der-platz. BRE Archive.

The beginning of the Cold War in 1946-1947 and the growing confrontation between the USSR and the Western powers made it impossible to recreate a unified German state. The differences in the approach of the USSR and the USA to solving the German problem turned out to be insurmountable. The USSR advocated the reunification of Germany, its demilitarization and neutral status. The United States opposed the neutral status of a united Germany. They sought to see Germany as a dependent ally. As a result of the USSR's victory in the war, the countries of Eastern Europe came under its control. Power in them gradually passed to local communists loyal to the USSR. The United States and Western states, in opposition to the USSR, sought to maintain West Germany in their sphere of influence. This predetermined the state split in Germany.

Western states decided to create a special West German state in those territories that were under their occupation control. For this purpose, an Economic Council was established in Frankfurt from representatives of the Landtags of the states. He resolved financial and economic issues. The Economic Council had a majority of the CDU, CSU and FDP parties, which advocated a social market economy. In 1948, by decision of the Economic Council, monetary reform took place in the three western occupation zones. A stable German mark was introduced into circulation, and price controls were abolished. West Germany embarked on the path of creating a social market economy, and its economic revival began.

In 1948, to develop and adopt a draft constitution for the West German state, a special Parliamentary Council was convened - the Constituent Assembly, elected by the Landtags of the West German states. The draft constitution was developed in committees of the Parliamentary Council with the participation of German jurists and approved by military governors. In May 1949, the Parliamentary Council adopted the Basic Law. It received ratification and approval from the Landtags of the West German states, except for Bavaria, but is also valid for it, and came into force. This is how the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) came into being. It covered half of the former territory of the country and two-thirds of the Germans lived there. Western states adopted an occupation statute in 1949. He limited the sovereignty of the Federal Republic of Germany in the field of foreign policy, defense, and foreign trade until 1955. Germany is still occupied by American troops.

The Constitution of the Federal Republic of Germany is officially called the Basic Law, since when adopted, this act was considered temporary until the unification of the German lands into a single state, after which it was planned to develop a constitution for a united Germany. According to the Basic Law, Germany was open to the annexation of the remaining German states. After German unity is achieved, the Basic Law applies to the entire German people and ceases to be valid on the day when a new constitution comes into force, which will be adopted by the free decision of the German people. The Constitution of 1949 was also called Bonn - after the name of the new capital of the Federal Republic of Germany - Bonn.

In the Soviet zone of occupation, that is, in the eastern part of Germany, in October 1949, its own constitution was adopted, created on the Soviet model, and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was proclaimed. As a result, a long forty-year period of existence of two independent German states began. They did not remain neutral, but entered military-political alliances opposing each other. In 1955, Germany joined NATO, and the GDR joined the Warsaw Pact.

The GDR included five German states. Soon, in 1952, the lands on the territory of the GDR were legally abolished and fourteen territorial districts were formed. The Chamber of Lands was abolished in 1958. The parliament of the GDR - the People's Chamber - became unicameral. The GDR, established as a federal state, became a unitary state.

State structure

Education October 7, 1949 German Democratic Republic was an act of national self-help by democratic forces Germany. This was their response to the split Germany, the expression of which was the creation of the Federal Republic on September 7, 1949, carried out contrary to the principles of the Potsdam Agreement accepted by the four great powers. Under these conditions, the proclamation of a peace-loving, democratic German state became a matter of vital importance for the German people.

While creating GDR it was about thwarting the attempts of the Western powers to transfer all Germany into the hands of the then resurgent German imperialism and provide the democratic forces Germany a solid state foundation. Therefore, state formation GDR relied on a broad popular movement that embraced all strata of our people.

GDR- a state in which the working class, in alliance with the class of cooperative peasants and other sections of the working people, exercises political power and leads the cause of socialism to victory. Workers are the masters of the economy and the state. They direct the political economic development in accordance with the will and interests of the majority of citizens. The most important means of production - factories, minerals, means of transport and large estates - belong to the people.

Workers and peasants exercise power through popular representatives, the government, government bodies, judicial bodies, police bodies, etc. Workers' and peasants' power is based on the forces of the National Democratic Front Germany, which nominates candidates for popular representation and maintains constant communication between the state apparatus and the population. In addition, citizens have broad rights that allow them to directly participate in government activities.

A prerequisite for victory in GDR socialist and democratic forces saw the unity of the working class, which found its most vivid embodiment in the creation of united trade unions and, first of all, in the unification on April 21, 1946 of two parties of the working class - the Communist Party Germany and the Social Democratic Party Germany- to the Socialist United Party Germany.

German Democratic Republic- a sovereign state that decides independently, at its own discretion, its internal and external affairs and respects the rights of other states and generally recognized norms of international law. Thanks to the full participation of the population in solving all political and economic problems, thanks to the influence that the population has on legislation, government bodies and justice, in GDR for the first time in history Germany the people exercise their sovereign rights.

TERRITORY AND POPULATION

Territory German Democratic Republic is 107,834 square kilometers. In the north it is washed by the waters of the Baltic Sea; in the east, the Oder and Neisse rivers form the world's border with the Polish People's Republic. In the West GDR borders Western Germany; in the south the Ore Mountains connect GDR and the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic. The length of the land borders is 456 kilometers in the east, 1,381 kilometers in the west and 430 kilometers in the south.

Elbe (1112 km) and Oder (861 km)- the longest rivers GDR. The highest mountain peaks are the Fichtelberg in the Ore Mountains (1243 l*) and the Brocken in the Harz (1142 l*). Southern and southeastern part GDR occupy medium-high altitude mountains, turning into a hilly foothill strip in the north and then into the North German Lowland. Numerous lakes located in the area Berlin and to the north of it, give the area a special flavor. Territory GDR covered by a dense modern network of automobile and railways and cut through by internal waterways. At the same time, air traffic provided by the state organization Deutsche Luft-Hansa is becoming increasingly important.

IN GDR 17.3 million people live (as of December 31, 1959). The population density is cohabitants per square kilometer. Capital GDR is Berlin. In a democratic Berlin 1.1 million people live. Territory GDR divided into 14 districts: Potsdam, Frankfurt an der Oder and Cottbus in Brandenburg; Neubrandenburg, Rostock and Schwerin in Mecklenburg; Magdeburg and Halle in Saxony-Anhalt; Erfurt, Suhl and Gera in the state of Thuringia; Dresden, Leipzig and Karl-Marx-Stadt in Saxony. Districts unite 24 cities district subordination and 192 rural districts with 9556 communities. 213 communities have more than 10 thousand inhabitants each, and 11 cities - Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, Karl-Marx-Stadt, Halle (Saale), Magdeburg, Erfurt, Rostock, Zwickau, Potsdam and Gera - have more than 100 thousand each. GDR- a highly developed socialist industrial country. The share of industry, trade and transport in the total volume of the aggregate social product is 90.1 percent, agriculture and forestry - 9.9 percent. 68 percent of all workers are employed in industry, trade and transport, and 18 percent in agriculture and forestry.

POLITICAL FRAMEWORK

What is the basis of the socialist system?

The socialist system means that the exploitation of man by man is eliminated and the working people themselves decide their own fate. Monopolists and landowners were expropriated, their enterprises became the property of the people, and the land belonged to the peasants. Therefore, monopolists and landowners can no longer dictate what the size should be wages and what should be the length of the working day, who should be hired or who should be thrown out onto the street. The labor of millions of workers no longer serves to increase the personal wealth and power of individual monopolists. The results of labor are made available to the workers themselves and their society; the growth of production serves to increase personal and social wealth. Those who work are honored and respected, and work is also a measure of remuneration.

One of the decisive prerequisites of the socialist system is that the most important enterprises belong to the whole people and are led by representatives of the working class. In 1960, the share of people's enterprises in total industrial output GDR was 89.1 percent. In agriculture, cooperative production achieved a complete victory in 1960.

Such transformations are possible only in conditions when power is in the hands of the people. The leading role is played by the working class, led by its party - the SED. In popular representations, in the state apparatus, in judicial and economic bodies, in scientific, cultural and educational institutions, leading positions belong to representatives of the working class and peasantry, intelligentsia and other working strata.

This alignment of political forces guarantees systematic development, which is reflected in national economic plans covering the entire economic, political and cultural life. The plans, for example, establish what share of the income of people's enterprises is allocated to the construction of new industrial facilities, to raising the living standards of workers, to the construction of housing and cultural institutions, to social security, etc.

Of course, in a country with a socialist system, domestic and foreign policies are characterized by a desire for peace and the well-being of all people. Therefore, the People's Chamber, the State Council, the government GDR turned to West German government bodies with a number of proposals serving the cause of maintaining peace. However, as long as the monopolists profiting from the arms race and the instigators of the policy of aggression try to destroy this new socialist system, the socialist states will be forced to maintain armed forces equipped with excellent technology to protect their peoples.

Is the GDR a legitimate state?

GDR- not only the legitimate state, but also the only legitimate German state. This fact arises from many circumstances, rooted partly in history, partly in modernity. The most important circumstances are:

IN GDR the only correct conclusions have been drawn from the past. The arms manufacturers and junkers responsible for starting two world wars were expropriated. Along with them, the militarists also lost power. Since then, state power has been in the hands of workers and peasants, who have entered into a strong, reliable alliance with other working sections of the population. Here, therefore, the democratic principle “All state power comes from the people” was first implemented. The state is headed by political figures who - being workers themselves - spend their entire lives fighting for the interests of the working people.

The principles of the anti-Hitler coalition enshrined in the Potsdam Agreement, for the implementation of which millions of people in many countries of the world gave their lives in the fight against German militarism and fascism, became GDR reality. The struggle to preserve peace is the main content of politics GDR. This is evidenced, for example, by the address of the Chairman of the State Council GDR Walter Ulbricht to the government of the Federal Republic of Germany, December 18, 1960. In this appeal, the Bonn government was asked to reach an agreement with GDR about maintaining peace initially for 10 years. This would create the preconditions for peaceful reunification and for pursuing a peaceful policy of a united Germany. So thanks to his peaceful policy GDR instills confidence in every German that it is a reliable stronghold< мирного будущего для него и его детей. Уже одно это делает GDR the only legitimate German state. Legality GDR is also expressed in its sovereignty. The republic resolves all its internal and external issues independently, without outside interference. In the territory GDR there are no occupying forces, while in Western Germany they have extremely broad rights. Participation in the Warsaw Pact in no way affects sovereignty GDR. Therefore, the republic was able to make 150 proposals aimed at peaceful reunification Germany. And the West German government is prohibited by the Bonn and Paris agreements from any independent actions regarding reunification. That's why GDR- the only German state that has a real reunification program and pursues a national policy.

Development GDR corresponds to the democratic principles of international law, and its policies comply with the UN Charter.

Chairman of the State Council GDR Walter Ulbricht noted in a policy statement of the State Council made in the People's Chamber on October 4, 1960:

"He who doubts the legitimacy GDR, also doubts the legitimacy of the people’s struggle against the bloody regime of Hitler’s fascism, the policy of which is continued by the anti-democratic state of Western Germany».

The situation is different with the Federal Republic, whose government claims to be the only legitimate state. But how can a state in which the dark past has come to life again be considered legitimate? Germany and in which international law is violated?

The same forces that once supported the Hitler regime are now located in Western Germany economic power, which increased even more during this time. They once again dominate the state apparatus, using figures such as Strauss and Schröder as proxies. Over a thousand members of Hitler's emergency and military courts are in charge of the justice authorities, the Bundeswehr is headed by 140 Hitlerite generals, command posts in the police are occupied by SS and Gestapo thugs. The old, outdated rules again in Western Germany. Therefore, basic rights are violated, democratic parties and organizations are prohibited. The population, contrary to the constitution, is deprived of the right to express their opinion on such vital issues as universal conscription, equipping the Bundeswehr with atomic weapons, etc. National polls on these issues were prohibited. ^

International legal principles of the Potsdam Agreement on peaceful, anti-militarist development Germany betrayed in Western Germany oblivion; the liquidation of monopolies, agrarian, administrative, judicial, school reforms, reform in the field of culture were not put on the agenda at all or were sabotaged at the first attempt to carry them out.

The purge of the West German state apparatus from Brown Shirts is being sabotaged. Revanchism flourished in full bloom. The leadership pursues the same aggressive goals as Wilhelm II and Hitler. At present, the policy of the German government is entirely subordinated to plans for atomic weapons, which threaten the lives of the German people and the peoples of Europe.

The Bonn government chose the atomic weapons of the Bundeswehr over peace and security. By concluding the so-called “General Agreement”, it thereby transferred the matter of reunification to Germany into the hands of the Western powers. Now it openly seeks to seize GDR. For this reason, it rejected all proposals GDR to ease tensions and peaceful reunification. West German citizens wishing to exercise their right to self-determination and advocating peace and reunification Germany on democratic principles, are persecuted and thrown into prison. Thus, Western Germany- a state that threatens the lives of the people and betrays national interests cannot claim to be considered legitimate.

Is there only one party in the GDR?

IN GDR there are five parties, namely: Socialist Unity Party Germany(SED), Peasant Democratic Party Germany(CMR), Liberal Democratic Party Germany(LDPD), Christian Democratic Union Germany(CDSG), National Democratic Party Germany(NDPG).

Individual parties represent the interests of certain classes or segments of the population. The SED is a party of the working class. The CMR represents primarily the interests of cooperative peasants. Christians who advocate peace and progress unite mainly in the HDSG. The LDPD consists of members of craft production cooperatives and progressive representatives of the petty and middle bourgeoisie.

The NPD also appeals to various circles of the middle class and to former military personnel who have broken with their past.

Why is the SED the leading party?

The SED is the party of the working class, the class that creates the largest part of the material values ​​necessary for life. As the party of the largest, most progressive and most consistent class in the struggle for peace and democracy, it has a leading role in political life GDR. And in terms of the number of its members and supporters, it is the most powerful party. Along with the workers, who make up the overwhelming majority of SED members, this party includes representatives of all other sections of the working people. Members of this party lead many decisive sectors in the state, economic and cultural fields.

Unlike the major West German parties, the SED carried out its 1946 program. Under her leadership, the working class, peasantry, intelligentsia and other sections of the working people made the greatest revolution in history Germany- transition from capitalism to socialism. Major economic, social and cultural reforms in GDR were mainly carried out on her initiative. At the suggestion of the SED, the most important measures in economic, cultural and social construction were carried out GDR. The SED has developed, for example, projects for successfully completed five-year plans and the current seven-year plan, proposals for the further democratization of public life and for the systematic raising of the living standards of the population.

At the Fifth Congress of the SED in July 1958, the directives of the seven-year plan were presented to the public. The implementation of this plan will prove the superiority of the socialist economic system GDR over the monopoly-capitalist system of Western Germany. Today there is no doubt that by fulfilling this plan, the working people will ensure the victory of the cause of socialism in GDR.

As a Marxist party, the SED represents the best traditions the German working class, systematically putting into practice the old testaments of the socialist labor movement. Under her leadership, as well as with the participation of the other four parties, trade unions and other mass organizations in GDR Socialism is being built. At the same time, the policy of the SED is aimed at involving all layers of workers and private entrepreneurs in the cause of socialist construction through persuasion and demonstration of successes. As a result, every citizen GDR sees a reliable prospect in socialism.

The SED is also the party that has put forward numerous important proposals aimed at general controlled disarmament, the conclusion of a peace treaty with both German states and reunification Germany in peaceful way.

The remaining parties and organizations recognize the leading role of the working class party and, being independent, independent organizations, closely cooperate with it.

Were parties banned in the GDR?

No in GDR not a single party was banned. On the contrary, the SPD, whose activities were authorized in 1945 in the then Soviet zone of occupation, decided to merge with the KPD after a democratic vote of its members. The KPD also made a similar decision to unite with the SPD. Thus, the working class learned from the past the lesson that the threat of fascism and militarism can be eliminated and a new socialist system can be created only if the workers act in unity.

Since the unification congress held in April 1946, GDR there is a Socialist Unity Party Germany as a united party of the working class. IN Berlin The full unification of the KPD and SPD was prevented by the right-wing leadership of the SPD, which acted at the behest of the imperialist occupying powers against the will of the SPD members. - The overwhelming majority of SPD members spoke in favor of cooperation or unification of the two working class parties. Therefore, the SED and SPD exist in both parts of the divided capital and have in all areas of the Greater Berlin their boards *.

Of course, the creation of militaristic and fascist organizations opposing the peaceful coexistence of peoples, in GDR forbidden.

What should be understood by the policy of the Democratic Bloc?

The policy of the Democratic Bloc means the joint solution of common problems with the participation of all peace-loving and democratic forces GDR. It is an expression of the cooperation of all segments of the population under the leadership of the working class in the construction of socialism in GDR, in solving the national problems of the German people.

The Democratic Bloc was created on July 14, 1945 by the decision of the parties that existed in the then Soviet zone of occupation: the KPD, SPD, CDU and LDPG. Subsequently founded parties and the most important political organizations joined the bloc, so that now it includes: Socialist United Nation Germany(SED), Christian Democratic Union Germany(CDSG), Liberal Democratic Party Germany(LDPD), Peasant Democratic Party Germany(CMR), National Democratic Party Germany(NDPD), the Association of Free German Trade Unions (FGTU), the Union of Free German Youth (FGY) and the Democratic Women's Union Germany(JSG).

The unification was dictated by the desire to overcome

Let go of the fragmentation of democratic forces, which had such fatal consequences for Germany in 1933. On the other hand, it was necessary to solve the difficult problems of the post-war period. Over the past period of time, this union of parties and organizations has so far justified itself that it now belongs to the most important political institutions GDR and has an ever-increasing influence in all areas of the life of the state.

The bloc meets before all major decisions of the government or the People's Chamber on issues of domestic and foreign policy and discusses their future policies. Decision making is based on the principle of unanimity. This means that the discussion of all issues continues until agreement is reached on the fundamental provisions. This ensures the participation of all politically active forces in joint creative activities. The pinnacle of the Democratic Bloc's activity was the creation of the State Council German Democratic Republic in September 1960.

What is the National Front for Democratic Germany?

National Democratic Front Germany is a broad movement, not associated with any one party, covering the entire Germany. It unites in its ranks citizens of Eastern and Western Germany, representatives of all segments of the population, regardless of their worldview, members of a wide variety of parties and organizations whose goal is the reunification Germany on a peaceful, democratic basis. Since such goals contradict the intentions of the ruling circles of the Federal Republic of Germany, the federal government and the governments of the Western states Germany this movement was banned. Supporters of the National Front were and are being persecuted by the judicial authorities of the western zone.

The National Front has existed since January 1950: it arose - with a simultaneous expansion of tasks - on the basis of the then people's committees of the struggle for unity Germany and a fair peace treaty. The governing bodies of the National Front are

The National Council, re-elected in 1958 by the Third Congress of the National Front, and the Presidium of the National Council. The Chairman of the Presidium was once again National Prize winner Professor Dr. Erich Correns.

The National Front is not an organization, but a movement of patriotic forces; it does not keep records of members and does not accept membership fees. Its activities are financed by donations from the public. In the territory GDR There are 15 district, 219 district and about 17 thousand local, city, district, block and village committees of the National Front, in which citizens of all segments of the population are represented. In the election committees of the National Front in GDR Currently, about 300 thousand people work.

In Western Germany The activities of the National Front, despite the illegal ban, extend to a wide variety of segments of the population. This is evidenced, in particular, by the fact of participation in meetings of the National Council of such prominent politicians Western Germany, as Münstersknilprofessor Dr. Hagemann (former member of the CDU), members of the Landtags from SDG1G Scheperkötter (North Rhine-Westphalia) and Berg (Hamburg).

What are the goals of the National Front?

The National Front stands for the conclusion of a peace treaty with the two German states, the peaceful reunification of our fatherland and for the democratic development of the whole Germany. The appeal of the National Front in connection with the elections to the People's Chamber and district assemblies of deputies held on November 16, 1958 (the appeal was adopted by the Third Congress of the National Front in September 1958) said:

"National Front for Democratic Germany calls on you, citizens German Democratic Republic, to the struggle for national revival Germany as a peace-loving, democratic state."

Thus, the National Front introduces the population of both parts Germany with the problems of disarmament, peace treaty and reunification. He supports the actions of the West German population against remilitarization, fascisation and atomic weapons.

IN GDR The National Front supports the construction of socialism, because it sees the goal of its activities as ensuring that the working people live in conditions of peace and prosperity. In order for the construction of socialism to develop even more successfully, the National Front calls for voluntary assistance in this matter. Thus, the ruins of neighborhoods destroyed by air raids during the Second World War have been cleared, green spaces are being planted, sports fields, outdoor swimming pools, children's playgrounds, etc. are being built.

In 1960, the National Front carried out work worth more than 447 million marks. If total cost the work performed is divided by the entire working-age population (from 15 years of age, including pensioners), then for each person there will be 32.64 marks. This is the voluntary contribution of the population to the construction of capital construction projects. If we take into account all the voluntary assistance provided to agriculture and industry, it turns out that 157 million hours were worked voluntarily.

Of particular importance is the fact that the National Front plays an important role in holding elections to the People's Chamber and local people's representatives. Together with a bloc of democratic parties and organizations, it nominates candidates for deputies, holds meetings at which candidates for deputies meet with voters, and deputies and administrative staff report. He organizes discussion evenings at which the population expresses their opinions and makes proposals on planned events of the People's Chamber and the government. Thus, in 1956, more than 4.5 million citizens took part in the discussion of the draft law on further democratization (Law on Local Government Bodies of January 18, 1957). GDR, who made 10 thousand proposals to improve the work of government bodies. These figures were significantly exceeded during the discussion of the draft new labor code, held at the end of 1960 - beginning of 1961, mainly through trade unions.

How carried out the right of the population to participate in government state and the economy?

Population GDR enjoys not only broad rights to participate in the management of all areas of public life, but also the right to active participation in the management of the state and the economy. IN GDR The slogan is being put into practice: “Plan, work, manage together with everyone else.” Citizens can exert a decisive influence on the development of all social life through parties, trade unions and other organizations in which they belong, as well as through the National Front for Democratic Germany. There, at meetings and discussions, for example, important government bills are discussed. In particular, the draft law on the socialist development of school affairs and the draft Labor Code were subject to such discussion. This means that citizens can express their opinions and make proposals to change the projects under discussion, thereby influencing the final wording of laws.

The most important form of participation in government is popular representation. The People's Chamber has 466 deputies. Local people's representative offices employ 270 thousand citizens who are deputies or deputy deputies. Consequently, every fiftieth citizen who enjoys the right to vote takes a direct part in governing the state. As representatives of the entire population, deputies bring up their wishes and wishes for discussion proposals of voters.Each voter can turn to his deputy and, with his help, influence state and administrative bodies.

Workers and employees of national enterprises take an active part in the management of production. An important form of their participation in enterprise management is permanent production meetings as elected bodies of the factory trade union organization. They are actively involved in the development production plans and monitoring their implementation, express critical comments regarding the organization of production and present proposals aimed at achieving the highest production indicators. Such real participation of workers in the management of enterprises could have developed due to the fact that, under conditions of national ownership, there is no antagonism between the interests of the enterprise administration and the interests of workers and employees.

Can citizens of the GDR express their opinions openly and freely?

The right to freely express their opinions is guaranteed to all citizens in accordance with Article 9 of the Constitution GDR. This article categorically prohibits prosecution of citizens for exercising such a right. IN GDR Therefore, it is unthinkable that a citizen who criticizes, for example, the work of his boss or minister, reveals certain shortcomings in the work of an institution or management, etc., would lose his place or even be arrested. Moreover, openly expressing an opinion about existing shortcomings is not only the right, but also the duty of citizens. For only in this way can we reveal shortcomings and quickly eliminate difficulties, and thereby speed up socialist construction. In this case, it does not matter what a citizen is guided by when expressing and defending his opinion - Christian responsibility, liberal views or a Marxist worldview. All citizens have the opportunity to assemble for this purpose.

There is only one limitation: the opinions expressed and meetings held must serve the cause of peace and democracy. Incitement against a democratic state and its institutions, incitement to murder of political figures and other persons, manifestation of religious, racial and national hatred are prohibited by Article 6 of the Constitution.

The population is protected from militaristic and military propaganda by the Peace Protection Law. It is impossible for revanchists, militarists and SS men to gather and demand the establishment of a “new order” in Europe, as is the case in Germany. Such persons in GDR would be immediately arrested and punished by law.

CHAMBER OF THE PEOPLE

Does the House of the People have all the rights of a sovereign organ of popular representation?

The highest state body of the Republic is the People's Chamber. Its deputies are elected by citizens through universal, equal and direct elections by secret ballot.

Of all government bodies, the People's Chamber has the most broad and comprehensive rights. No other body has the right to give instructions to this highest body of popular representation or interfere with its activities. Moreover, for all other government bodies, the decisions of the People's Chamber are binding. All other bodies are subject to control by the People's Chamber.

IN GDR There is no so-called separation of powers, which places the judicial or administrative bodies outside the control of the parliament elected by the population. No court has the right to review the laws of the People's Chamber, as is the case with the laws of the Bundestag in Western Europe. Germany. The House of the People is sovereign.

The competence of the People's Chamber includes a wide variety of tasks. Thus, the People's Chamber has the right to: establish the principles of government policy; approve the composition of the government, control its activities and, if necessary, deny it powers;

supervise local people's representatives and direct their activities; legislate;

make decisions on the state budget, national economic plan, loans and state credit of the Republic, ratify international treaties;

elect members of the State Council and, if necessary, recall them;

elect members of the Supreme Court and the Prosecutor General and, if necessary, recall them.

Thus, this parliament chosen by the people has the most extensive rights ever

in history Germany was vested in Parliament. The People's Chamber represents a unified state power.

How does the People's Chamber work?

The People's Chamber makes all important decisions at its plenary sessions. To prepare these decisions and for better organization to carry out its work, the People's Chamber forms commissions. These commissions, however, do not have the right to act independently, replacing the plenum of the People's Chamber. Their decisions need to be approved at a plenary meeting of the People's Chamber.

Legislative activity is consistent with democratic character GDR. Bills can be introduced by the government or deputies of the People's Chamber. As a rule, two readings are held, between which the bill is discussed in the relevant sectoral commissions of the People's Chamber. Often, before its adoption by the People's Chamber, a bill is discussed at thousands of public meetings, as was the case in the spring of 1961 when discussing the draft Labor Code. At the same time, all proposals for the bill made by citizens are carefully considered and, of course, if they are useful, taken into account.

This allows us to understand why the broad legislative activity of the House of the People expresses the interests of the population and is an example for a future peaceful, democratic, united state. Germany. Thus, in particular, laws were adopted that, reflecting changing economic and political conditions, expand the democratic rights of citizens. These include, first of all, Labor Code, guaranteeing the right to work, the right to the creative participation of workers in the management of production and providing for the constant improvement of material and cultural conditions lives of workers and employees. Back on January 19, 1957, the People's Chamber adopted the Law on the Reduction of Working Time, which introduced a 45-hour workday throughout industry. work week no salary reduction. Other important decisions of the People's Chamber are: the Law on the Rights of Youth, the Law on the Protection of Mother and Child and on Women's Rights, guaranteeing full equality of women in all areas of public life, and, last but not least, the Law on the Protection of Peace.

From international treaties ratified in last years The People's Chamber should primarily be called the Warsaw Treaty of Friendship, Cooperation and Mutual Assistance of May 14, 1955, on the basis of which all socialist countries guarantee security GDR against aggression. A number of agreements on the provision of legal assistance, as well as consular conventions, have been concluded with various countries. Recently, numerous trade and shipping agreements have been concluded, in particular with the People's Republic of Bulgaria, the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the Czechoslovak Socialist Republic, the People's Republic of China, and a social security cooperation agreement with the USSR.

At any period of its existence, the People's Chamber was aware of its national responsibility. Time and again she addressed the West German Bundestag with proposals aimed at eliminating the split Germany. On July 6, 1961, the People's Chamber discussed the peace plan of the German people, aimed at a peaceful solution to the German and West Berlin issue through the conclusion of a peace treaty. After its adoption by the People's Chamber, it became the basis of national policy GDR. However, all these efforts undertaken in the interests of reunification Germany, did not meet with support from Bonn.

Does the People's Chamber exist?

division into government and opposition parties?

All five parties existing in GDR, and politically influential mass organizations are represented in government GDR and are therefore government parties. This provision is legally enshrined in the Constitution, which establishes that all political associations represented in the People's Chamber by at least 10 percent of deputies must share the responsibility of the government. Therefore, the central place in the activities of the government is occupied by a serious business conversation between all responsible factions. Joint discussion, which does not exclude criticism and the struggle of opinions when opposing points of view are brought together, forms the basis of their work. This method is in the best interests of the business and, therefore, the population. Therefore, in the People's Chamber, as in the parliaments of imperialist states, there are no ostentatious political battles designed to fool the ordinary voter.

It goes without saying that the VL parties are united by a common political goal. For GDR such a common goal was formulated in the decisions of the bloc of democratic parties and mass organizations (see pp. 17 et seq.), in which, after 1945, all anti-fascist, democratic parties and organizations united. In subsequent years, such cooperation, serving the benefit of the population GDR, justified itself in the best possible way. It is based on: a policy of peace, rapid economic growth, constant improvement of the financial situation and, last but not least, numerous proposals aimed at peaceful reunification Germany. The establishment of a socialist social system that guarantees people prosperity, peace and faith in the future is the common goal of all parties GDR.

Only imperialist and militaristic forces could act as opposition to this progressive policy, which meets the interests of the people, but with them in GDR it's over. Their ideas of preparation for war, criminal incitement, etc., are devoid of nutritious soil in GDR.

How are elections held in the GDR?

Deputies of the People's Chamber and local people's representatives are elected, in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution, through general, equal and direct elections by secret ballot for a period of 4 years. All citizens over 18 years of age have the right to vote. Every citizen who has reached the age of 21 has the right to be elected.

It is important to emphasize that the nomination of candidates for deputies already takes place with the decisive participation of voters. At first, democratic parties and mass organizations united on the basis of a jointly developed program in the National Democratic Front Germany, identify candidates for deputies from all parties and mass organizations. Candidates are required to meet their voters in person and tell them about their previous activities and their future work as deputies. At the same time, voters have the right to ask questions to parliamentary candidates and reject those candidates whom they do not trust.

Such nomination and verification of candidates for deputies by voters is a fundamentally new phenomenon in the development of German electoral law. Voters, therefore, no longer cast their votes for candidates proposed to them, who in most cases are unknown persons, but decide for themselves who will remain on the lists of parliamentary candidates. This method ensures that deputies in GDR are true representatives of the people.

The elections themselves are held on democratic principles. Each voter votes secretly. However, such a casting of votes on election day has a completely different meaning than, for example, in bourgeois-capitalist countries. It represents the completion of a long democratic election process, with the approval by the voter of a list of parliamentary candidates whom he had previously vetted and approved.

The next elections to the People's Chamber took place on November 16, 1958. The election results showed that citizens GDR the overwhelming majority accepted the programmatic demands of the National Front as their own. 98.89 percent of the total number of voters participated in the elections. Of these, for candidates for parliament from the National Democratic Front Germany 98.87 percent cast their votes.

To whom are deputies responsible?

Since the deputies GDR are elected by the people, they are obliged to carry out the will of their voters and are directly responsible only to them. It follows that they must maintain constant and close communication with their constituents in order to know their opinions, explain to them the policies and laws of the state and involve them in active participation in solving public problems.

Deputies are obliged to regularly receive voters, listen to them, and quickly and conscientiously consider their orders and advice. They must also report periodically to the citizens of their constituency on all their activities. When reporting, they must, in particular, report on the implementation of the orders of voters and on the fate of the proposals and complaints of the population. Therefore, in GDR It is unacceptable for deputies to make empty promises before their election that they will not fulfill later. Voters can constantly monitor their MPs. Having discovered that the representative they have elected does not justify the trust placed in him or does not fulfill his deputy duties, they can demand his recall at a meeting of voters.

Who is included in the People's Chamber?

The People's Chamber consists of 466 deputies. 400 deputies are elected in constituencies GDR. Capital GDR, Berlin, sends 66 deputies to the People's Chamber.

At its first meeting, the People's Chamber elects a presidium, which, headed by its chairman, presides over the meetings of the People's Chamber.

The Chairman of the People's Chamber is Dr. Johannes Dieckmann (LDPD). His first deputy is Hermann Matern (SED). The Presidium of the People's Chamber includes, furthermore, as deputy chairmen of the People's Chamber: August Bach (CDSG), Friedrich Ebert (SED), Ernst Golldenbaum (CDM), Greta Gro-Kummerlöw (OSNP), Heinrich Homann (NDPD), Wilhelmina Schirmer-Pröscher (JSG).

Members of the People's Chamber are not professional parliamentarians. They all work in one position or another. To exercise their rights and duties as elected representatives of the people, deputies have the necessary time, which is provided to them by the relevant enterprises and institutions.

The composition of the People's Chamber according to the affiliation of deputies to parties or mass organizations, according to their social origin, age groups and gender is as follows (as of January 1959):

Faction affiliation

52 German Kulturbund

Social background

53 29 29 18 12

SED LDPG CDSG NPD CMR

Workers 286 Peasants 36 Employees 57 Representatives of the intelligentsia 41

Craftsmen

Priests

Entrepreneurs

42 2 2

Up to 25 years old From 26 to 30 years old From 31 to 40 years old

Age groups

22 From 41 to 50 years 27 From 51 to 60 years 117 Over 60 years

There are 95 women among the deputies of the People's Chamber, that is, almost a quarter of the total number of elected people. The number of young deputies representing youth interests is also higher than in any capitalist country.

The composition of the People's Chamber indicates that in the German Democratic Republic state power - in contrast to the Western Germany- is in the hands of the working class, acting in alliance with the peasantry and other sections of the working people.

STATE COUNCIL AND GOVERNMENT

Why was the State Council created in the GDR?

The establishment of the State Council is a completely new phenomenon for Germany. As the first president of the German workers' and peasants' state until

Until his death, there was the respected Wilhelm Pieck, who headed the state of workers and peasants - the German Democratic Republic.

Since the entry into force of the constitution in 1949, the territory GDR fundamental changes have occurred. During this time, the republic turned into a socialist state. The principles of governing a socialist state are different from those of bourgeois states. One of these principles reads: >to build socialism together and govern the state together. In other words, representatives of various parties and mass organizations - workers, employees, peasants, intellectuals and artisans, Christians, liberals and socialists - cooperate in a spirit of unanimity at all levels of government. With the election of the State Council, this principle also extended to the highest body of state power. Members of all parties and mass organizations, representatives of all segments of the population work in it with a full consciousness of responsibility.

The creation of the State Council was also dictated by another consideration - the need to introduce the principle of collective leadership. Everywhere in government bodies and institutions, leadership should be carried out by boards, taking into account the responsibility of each individual person. The collective knowledge and experience of several individuals allows the best decision to be made, taking into account all the circumstances of the case. A group of people knows and sees more than one person. The principle of collegiality has been applied in all areas of public life for a number of years. That is why the People's Chamber, at its meeting on September 12, 1960, decided to abolish the post of president of the republic and create a State Council.

Are the powers of the State Council only of a representative nature?

The principle of collective leadership of the state was consistent with the provision to the State Council GDR broader powers than the usual functions of representation vested in the president.

Article 106 of the Constitution, as laid down in the Law establishing the Council of State of September 12, 1960,

sets:

“The State Council of the Republic calls elections to the People's Chamber and convenes its first meeting after the elections;

may conduct a national poll; ratifies and denounces international treaties German Democratic Republic;

appoints and recalls authorized representatives German Democratic Republic in foreign countries;

accepts credentials and letters of recall from diplomatic representatives of foreign states accredited to him;

provides a generally binding interpretation of laws; issues decisions that have the force of law; makes fundamental decisions on issues of defense and security of the country;

approves the fundamental orders of the National Defense Council German Democratic Republic;

appoints members of the National Defense Council German Democratic Republic;

sets military ranks, diplomatic ranks and special ranks;

awards orders and other high awards and honorary titles; exercises the right of pardon." State Council GDR has the right to make important political decisions, for which he, however, is obliged at any time to report to the People's Chamber as the highest body of popular representation.

Who is on the State Council?

The State Council consists of 24 people. It consists of a chairman, six deputies, 16 members and a secretary.

Chairman - Walter Ulbricht, First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party Germany. Deputy Chairmen:

Otto Grotewohl, Chairman of the Council of Ministers German Democratic Republic, member of the Politburo of the SED Central Committee;

Dr. Johannes Diekmann, Chairman of the People's Chamber, Deputy Chairman of the LDPD;

Gerald Götting, Member of the People's Chamber, Secretary General of the HDSG;

Heinrich Homan, Deputy Chairman of the People's Chamber, Deputy Chairman of the NPD;

Manfred Gerlach, Member of the People's Chamber, Secretary General of the LDPD;

Hans Ritz, member of the People's Chamber, head of the main department of the CMR board.

Among the members of the State Council are the famous worker Louise Ermisch, the leading peasant woman, member of the agricultural industrial complex Irmgard Neumann and the famous scientist Professor Dr. Erich Correns. So the State Council GDR represents the cohesion and growing moral and political unity of our population. Members of the State Council are elected for a term of 4 years. The Chairman, his deputies, members and the Secretary of the State Council may be recalled by the People's Chamber to which they are accountable. And this provision, enshrined in law, is another evidence that the highest body of people's representation is the main body of state power, vested with extensive powers.

Is the government elected by parliament?

Yes. According to the Constitution, the largest faction in the House of the People nominates a candidate for the post of chairman of the Council of Ministers, which then forms the government. The People's Chamber approves the composition of the government. Members of the government take an oath to the Chairman of the Council of State that they will act in accordance with the Constitution. The government must enjoy the trust of the People's Chamber, to which it is accountable. In accordance with democratic principles, the People's Chamber can refuse confidence in a minister or several members of the government - and not just the chancellor, as in Germany - and force them to resign.

In order to ensure the participation of all democratic forces of various political trends in the management of state affairs, all factions of the House of the People, numbering at least 40 members, must, according to the Constitution GDR, are represented in the government in proportion to their number by ministers or secretaries of state.

Who is in the government?

The government includes: the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, his deputies, the Chairman of the State Planning Commission, the Chairman of the National Economy Council, ministers, the State Secretary for Higher and Special Education, the State Secretary for Scientific Research and Technology and the Chairman of the Central Commission for State Control.

In accordance with the nature of the State, the Government consists of representatives of the workers. All parties are represented in it GDR. Most government members come from working class backgrounds. Other layers exercising power in alliance with the working class are also represented in the government. Government composition GDR reflects the entire set of parties and organizations represented in the National Democratic Front Germany.

The government includes figures such as the Chairman of the Council of Ministers, Otto Grotewohl. A printer by profession, he participated in the labor movement for many years and was a member of the Reichstag from the Social Democratic Party. After 1933, while underground, he fought against fascism, and after 1945, as chairman of the Central Board of the Social Democratic Party, he actively advocated the unification of the two parties of the working class.

Paul Scholz, Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers, was a former agricultural worker. He was arrested for his underground anti-fascist activities. After 1945, he worked as deputy editor-in-chief of the newspaper Der Freie Bauer. In 1948 he participated in the creation of the Peasant Democratic Party Germany.

Here current composition Council of Ministers GDR:

Chairman of the Council of Ministers Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Coordination and Control Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Health Deputy Chairman of the Council

Ministers Deputy Chairman of the Council

Ministers Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers and Minister of Foreign Affairs Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Coordination of Fundamental Issues of the National Economy Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Trade, Supply and Agriculture Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers for Culture and Education Chairman of the State Planning Commission and Minister Chairman of the People's Council

Economy and Minister Minister of the Interior Minister of Finance Minister of National Defense

Minister of Foreign and Internal Affairs

Mansk Trade Minister of Trade and Supply Minister of Agriculture and Forestry

Economy and Procurement Minister of Transport Minister of Post and Communications Minister of Construction

Otto Grotewohl

Willy Stoff

^.Max Zefrin Dr. Max Zurbir Paul Scholz

Dr. Lothar Boltz Bruno Leuschner

Dr. Greta Witkowski

Alexander Abush

Karl Mevis

Alfred Neumann Karl Marohn Willy Rumpf Army General Heinz Hoffmann

Julius Balkow Kurt-Heinz Merkel

Hans Reichelt Erwin Kramer Friedrich Burmeister Ernst Scholz

Minister of Culture

Minister of Public Education

Minister of Justice Minister of State Security

Stats -Secretary for Higher and Special Education Affairs State Secretary for Scientific Research and Technology (Secretary of the Research Council) Chairman of the Central Commission for State Control

Hans Bentzius Prof. Dr Alfred Lemnitz

Dr. Hilda Benyamipe

Erich Mielke Dr. Wilhelm Girnus

prof. Dr. Hans Fruauf

Hans Jendrecki

How are the tasks of the governments of the two German states different?

Tasks of the Council of Ministers (i.e. government) GDR more extensive and versatile compared to the tasks of the Bonn government. He is the highest level of government GDR. He is charged with the responsibility of conducting government affairs. The Council of Ministers, on the basis of and in execution of laws and decisions of the People's Chamber and decisions of the State Council, manages the work of socialist construction in the political sphere; economic and cultural areas. It directs, checks and improves the activities of government bodies, ensuring a harmonious combination of central planning and management with the broadest participation of workers in the management of the state and the economy. The Council of Ministers represents the Republic in the field of diplomatic relations with foreign states. It ensures the maintenance of peace and order within the country and the protection of the socialist achievements of the working people from the attacks of internal and external enemies. For this purpose, it has at its disposal the People's Police, the State Security Organs and the National People's Army.

In accordance with the peace policy pursued GDR, the Council of Ministers is primarily entrusted with the task of ensuring the peace and future of the nation. Therefore, he has already repeatedly addressed the West German government with numerous proposals regarding negotiations on issues of disarmament, reunification Germany and the conclusion of a peace treaty. Bonn rejected all these proposals.

Of particular importance are the tasks of the Council of Ministers in the economic, cultural and social fields, which are fundamentally different from the functions of previous governments in Germany and the Bonn* government. The socialist state carries out planning and management of the entire national economy and development in the cultural and social fields. It became for the government GDR possible because the main means of production are in the hands of the people.

Based on the national economic plan adopted by the People's Chamber, the Council of Ministers outlines specific measures for the development of the economy, culture and social security and determines the general line in raising the living standards of the population. For this purpose, it has at its disposal the State Planning Commission, the National Economic Council, ministries and other economic, cultural and social institutions.

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According to the Constitution, the Council of Ministers has the right to submit bills to the People's Chamber. In addition, the Council of Ministers itself can issue resolutions that do not go beyond the laws and decisions of the People's Chamber.

New regulations on the tasks and operating procedures of local people's representatives and their bodies, developed as a result of a comprehensive exchange of experience with all segments of the population and government agencies and adopted on June 28, 1961, enshrines best practices in government. The activities of all local bodies are now developing on their basis.