Abstract
The removal of Walter Ulbricht in May 1971 meant an end to experimentation in state and society. The new First Secretary (Secretary General as of 1976), Erich Honecker, plotted a course which coincided with that of the Soviet Union. The GDR became Moscow’s most reliable ally, out of choice. The riots in Poland in 1970 were a clear signal that working-class aspirations could not be ignored and this led to a greater emphasis on social policy.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Access this chapter
Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout
Purchases are for personal use only
Preview
Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.
Copyright information
© 1983 Martin McCauley
About this chapter
Cite this chapter
McCauley, M. (1983). Real, Existing Socialism. In: The German Democratic Republic since 1945. Studies in Russia and East Europe. Palgrave Macmillan, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-18403-3_6
Download citation
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-349-18403-3_6
Publisher Name: Palgrave Macmillan, London
Print ISBN: 978-0-333-43359-1
Online ISBN: 978-1-349-18403-3
eBook Packages: Palgrave History CollectionHistory (R0)