What was it like to live in East Germany in the 80s

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.

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