DDR

German Democratic Republic ("East Germany"); socialist state, inaugurated October 7, 1949 on the territory of the Soviet Zone of Occupation (SBZ) and, modeled on the USSR, constituted as a dictatorship of the proletariat. Political power is in the hands of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) formed through the forceful merger of the KPD and SPD. Under its leadership, other tolerated parties and organizations are combined in an all-party bloc. Leading statesmen of the DDR are Walter Ulbricht until 1971, followed by Erich Honecker until 1989. In 1968 the DDR grants itself a constitution, which establishes the leading role of the SED in the state and society as a matter of constitutional law. The socialist social order politicizes and controls all social spheres and leaves little room for individual and private initiative. The economy is transformed into a centrally controlled (planned) economy and agriculture is collectivized. To restrict the flood of refugees to free West Germany, the DDR in 1961 erects the Berlin Wall with support of the USSR. The border with West Germany is hermetically sealed (e.g. with the deployment of automatic fire zones and anti-personnel mines); in 1972, improvement in relations with the Federal Republic through conclusion of the basic treaty. In the 1970s the DDR regime sharpens proceedings against dissidents. The reform course of Soviet President Mikhail Gorbachev at the end of the 1980s increased pressures on the DDR leadership to carry out reforms and to open the country (e.g. by granting travel rights to citizens); after September 1989 there are mass demonstrations against the SED regime; on November 8, 1989 the resignation of the SED Politburo and opening of the Berlin Wall; on March 10, 1990 the DDR joins the Federal Republic of Germany on the basis of Article 23 Section 2 of the Basic Law (Constitution) of the Federal Republic of Germany.