Historical-
·
Stasi was the main policing tool for the GDR
dictatorship.
·
The wall came down on November the 9th
1989.
·
The GDR offered work, support, free healthcare,
free places in Kindergarten and schools, affordable housing.
·
Germany was split after the allies argued on who
owns which part of Germany.
·
The wall was 13 feet high and went on for 28
miles.
·
171 people died trying to climb over the wall or
being shot by guards for attempting it.
·
Rockets filled with propaganda pamphlets were
sent out across the territory.
Economic-
·
Salaries across the board were really low.
·
Life essentials were very cheap. (Bread and rent
affordable).
·
Unemployment was non-existent but many jobs
could be seen as ‘invented’ to bring employment rates down.
·
Created the world’s leading recycling
infrastructure.
·
There were no unemployment benefits.
·
Pay gap was down to only 8% compared to 23% of
the rest of Germany.
Social/cultural-
·
Most people were spied on which lead to people
not knowing who to trust.
·
‘western’ products were popular.
·
Equal rights were good, and most women worked
with child-care being very affordable.
·
People dreamed of being on the west side of the
wall as it seemed like a better more interesting life.
·
There were shortages in Chocolate, meat, butter,
and other consumer goods.
·
East Germany was the biggest users of doping in
world sports to try to get their country on the map.
·
Atheism was encouraged.
·
Music and films were heavily censored.
·
Models were shown as everyday women who promoted
a healthy body and healthy living.
·
1 in 5 adults were directly connected to the
Stasi.
·
Stamp collecting was one of the most popular
hobbies in East Germany.