Western Influence

What were the main forms of Western influence on the GDR?

West German media, consumer culture, travel, and personal contacts.

What percentage of East Germans could receive West German TV?

Around 85%.

What was the nickname for Dresden and the surrounding area?

‘The Valley of the Clueless’ (no West German TV signal).

What was the most popular West German TV channel?

ARD.

Why was Western TV important to East Germans?

Provided entertainment, news, and comparison with Western living standards.

How did the SED initially react to Western media?

Tried to block or jam broadcasts, which was largely unsuccessful.

When did the SED stop jamming Western TV?

1970s – it was too expensive and unpopular.

How did East Germans respond to Western broadcasts?

Most regularly watched West German programmes and trusted them more than GDR media.

How did the GDR regime try to compete with Western TV?

Scheduled popular entertainment and sports to coincide with Western broadcasts.

Give two examples of GDR-produced shows to rival the West.

“The Black Channel” (political propaganda) and “Polizeiruf 110” (crime drama).

What impact did Western media have on GDR citizens?

Created dissatisfaction with living standards and inspired desire for Western lifestyles.

How did Western consumer culture influence East Germans?

Western goods and brands symbolised modernity and success.

What was Bückware?

Scarce or hidden goods available unofficially to those with Western currency or connections.

What were Intershops?

State-run stores selling Western goods for hard currency (Deutschemarks).

Who could shop at Intershops?

People with access to Western money, such as visitors or those with relatives in the FRG.

What was the social impact of Intershops?

Created inequality and resentment between those with and without Western currency.

How did the FRG influence the GDR through Ostpolitik?

Increased trade, travel, and contact between families; improved access to Western goods and ideas.

Give one example of personal contact between East and West Germans.

Family visits, phone calls, letters, and gifts after travel restrictions eased in the 1970s.

What was the impact of Western travel on East Germans?

Exposed them to higher living standards and consumer freedom.

What were 'Trabis'?

East German Trabant cars that symbolised outdated industry compared to Western vehicles.

How did Western fashion and music influence youth culture?

Youths copied Western styles like jeans, rock, and punk, often against FDJ ideals.

What was the SED’s response to Western youth influence?

Promoted socialist culture but tolerated some Western trends to avoid alienation.

Give an example of Western music popular in the GDR.

The Beatles, Rolling Stones, and West German pop bands.

How did the Stasi monitor Western influence?

Tracked people with Western relatives, censored letters and packages, and spied on youth subcultures.

What was the long-term impact of Western influence?

Undermined SED propaganda, increased desire for reform, and contributed to the GDR’s collapse.