Ann-Kathrin Reichardt - Böcker

1959: the GDR is ten years old. Economically, the party and state leadership focused primarily on expanding the chemical industry and collectivizing agriculture. However, the implementation of the chemical program decided in 1958 did not go as planned and there were massive problems with the implementation of ambitious industrial construction projects. Farmers refused to enter the LPG. The poor supply situation continued to cause dissatisfaction among the population. Domestically, Ulbricht had strengthened his position in previous years by eliminating opponents in the party and the intelligentsia. But the rumblings continued in the country: members of the scientific intelligentsia, especially doctors, were still leaving the country. Criticism of the ideological monopolization of the population was articulated in particular by the churches and in isolated actions by students. These are the topics that dominate the MfS reports to the SED leadership in 1959. In addition, information is provided on accidents in industry, accidents in opencast mining, isolated strikes, doctors fleeing and (alleged) acts of sabotage, preparations for the celebrations of the 10th state birthday and provocations at the inner-German border.