Die Ddr Im Blick Der Stasi. Die Geheimen Berichte an Die Sed-fuhrung – serie

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.

The SED was challenged three times in 1983: the nuclear confrontation escalated globally, national bankruptcy threatened and a frustrating feeling of stagnation spread among the population. The Stasi reports document overburdened brown coal combines, heated debates on disarmament and the reception of the Green political stars Petra Kelly and Gert Bastian at Erich Honecker's. The small but highly active GDR peace movement was a particular focus of State Security. An ambivalent atmosphere of fear of the future, optimism and impatience becomes tangible in the Stasi reports. The editors: Dr. Mark Schiefer and Dr. Martin Stief are research associates in the Communication and Knowledge department at the BStU in Berlin.