ItäSaksa

ItäSaksa, officially the German Democratic Republic (GDR), was a sovereign state that existed from 1949 to 1990. It was established in the Soviet occupation zone of Germany following World War II. The GDR was a one-party socialist state governed by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). Its capital was East Berlin.

The political and economic system of ItäSaksa was largely dictated by the Soviet Union. The economy was characterized by central planning and state ownership of the means of production. Despite its socialist ideology, the GDR experienced significant economic challenges and a lower standard of living compared to West Germany.

During its existence, ItäSaksa was known for its extensive state security apparatus, particularly the Ministry for State Security (Stasi), which monitored its citizens extensively. The country was also a member of the Warsaw Pact and a key player in the Eastern Bloc during the Cold War.

A significant symbol of division was the Berlin Wall, erected in 1961 to prevent emigration from East to West. The fall of the Berlin Wall in November 1989 marked a turning point, leading to the reunification of Germany on October 3, 1990, with ItäSaksa ceasing to exist as an independent state. The transition to a unified Germany involved significant economic and social adjustments for the former East German population.