In 1953 no Berlin Wall divided the German people. Travel between East and West Germany, via Berlin, occurred with relative frequency. Residents of the Soviet puppet state saw with their own eyes the disparities of life between the two Germanies. Those in the West, then still occupied by the Allies, enjoyed relative freedom and steadily improving living conditions. Those in the East suffered under oppressive Soviet policies, economic failures, high unemployment, and poor working conditions for those who did find jobs. Beginning in 1952 the government of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) announced the implementation of programs to further “Sovietize” the country. Among such steps were the collectivization of agriculture and ruinous taxes on the few privately held industries which remained.
Why the East German Uprising of 1953 Was So Intense
A Soviet T-34 heavy tank in Schutzenstrasse, East Berlin, June 17, 1953. Bundesrchiv
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The immediate results of Sovietization included empty shelves confronting consumers in stores. The price of food shot up, when foodstuffs could be found at all. Average wages diminished, even as many worked overtime whenever possible. During the winter of 1952-53, power outages occurred in the larger cities, disrupted by a failing transportation system and the still not rebuilt power grid. In early 1953 the Politburo ordained workers in state-owned industries would produce 10% more for the same pay they received previously. It also increased prices for food, health care, and critically in the cities, access to public transportation. Despite the closing of the border between East and West Germany, people fled to the west in droves. Stalin died in March, 1953.
