International Prestige

Why did the SED want more international recognition?

To end diplomatic isolation

To be seen as a true representative of Germany

Improve status within Eastern bloc

Who did the GDR have diplomatic relations with in 1961?

Primarily communist countries such as those in the Eastern bloc

When and why did non-communist states first start to recognise the GDR?

From 1969 when Arab countries did so after the FRG recognised Israel.

When and why was the biggest increase in international recognition?

During the 1970s due to Ostpolitik.

Give three examples of improved international recognition of the GDR.

Basic Treaty (1972) recognition by FRG; number of countries with relations rose from 38 to 123 (1972–78); joined UN in 1973; USA recognition in 1974.

What international agreement did the GDR sign in 1975?

The Helsinki Accords - accepted European borders, improved trade and technology

What tensions did the GDR have to navigate in seeking prestige?

Balancing Western contact with limiting cultural influence; keeping Eastern bloc relations strong while maintaining sovereignty.

Give four significant state visits to non-socialist countries.

1965 – Ulbricht to Egypt (first visit); 1970 – Stoph to FRG; 1980 – Honecker to Austria (first Western state); 1985 – Honecker to Italy (first NATO country); 1987 – Honecker to FRG.

What was the impact of foreign visits?

Exposed the GDR to outside influences; improved East Germans’ views of foreign states; undermined propaganda by showing cooperation with the West.

Why was there early tension with Eastern bloc countries?

Due to WW2 legacy and occupation; East German resentment over lost land; Polish resentment of GDR’s FRG links and higher living standards; economic controls.

How did the GDR improve relations with Eastern bloc countries?

1967 treaties of friendship with Poland, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, Bulgaria

Encouraged cooperation in Comecon

Provided troops and equipment for Warsaw Pact

How did relations with the Eastern bloc change under Honecker?

They became less important as Ostpolitik took priority.

How did relations with the Eastern bloc change in the 1980s?

The GDR tightened travel restrictions while others liberalised (e.g. Poland 1980).

Why was there tension between Ulbricht and Brezhnev?

Ulbricht moved away from centralised socialism and sought equal partnership; Brezhnev opposed this and pushed Ulbricht’s resignation.

How was Honecker’s approach toward the USSR different?

Accepted GDR’s subservient role

Conformed to USSR’s wishes

Closer relationship with Brezhnev

Give two pieces of evidence of USSR dominance over the GDR.

USSR negotiated on GDR’s behalf with Western powers; 1974 constitution reaffirmed Soviet ties; 1975 Treaty of Friendship praised USSR model; blocked Honecker’s FRG visits; GDR reliant on Soviet resources.

What did the end of the Brezhnev Doctrine under Gorbachev lead to?

It enabled the eventual collapse of SED power and the GDR regime.