Purge of SED

What did Ulbricht remove following the uprising?

He removed rivals who criticised his leadership, including Zaisser and Hernstadt.

What followed the removal of rivals?

An extensive purge.

How many SED officials were removed?

20,000 (especially former SPD members) and replaced with loyal communist ‘party activists.’

What did the uprising show?

Showed security services failed to prevent unrest.

What happened to the Stasi following the uprising?

It was greatly expanded.

It received greater authority to suppress opposition.

What happened to the numbers of Stasi agents?

Numbers increased dramatically.

What began happening to citizens?

Extensive surveillance of ordinary citizens began.

What did the SED do to calm public anger?

The SED temporarily relaxed some unpopular policies.

What unpopular policies did the SED relax?

• Work hour increases were withdrawn.

• Prices of basic foods reduced.

• More consumer goods available.

• Taxes and restrictions on farmers and private businesses reduced.

How significant was the uprising for Ulbricht?

It allowed him to consolidate his leadership.

What did the uprising prove?

That the SED was a one-party dictatorship.

What did the uprising confirm?

That the GDR depended on Soviet troops.

What did the uprising mean the USSR recognised?

The USSR recognised the GDR and it joined the Warsaw Pact (1955).

What did the uprising mean for citizens?

Limited improvement in living standards but didn’t remove underlying opposition.