gdr stasi

purpose

✅ Maintain political control for the SED (Socialist Unity Party)

✅ Suppress opposition, dissent, and anti-socialist activities

✅ Gather intelligence on GDR citizens and foreign targets

✅ Prevent defections to the West

methods

Mass Surveillance Extensive network of spies and informants (IMs — unofficial collaborators); estimated 1 in 6 East Germans worked with the Stasi at some point.

Phone Tapping & Mail Interception Widespread monitoring of private communications.

Psychological Warfare (Zersetzung) Harassment campaigns to undermine enemies without overt violence — e.g., spreading rumours, damaging careers, manipulating relationships.

Arrests & Imprisonment Detainment of dissidents; use of secret prisons; political trials.

Border Control Support Worked with border guards to prevent escapes, especially at the Berlin Wall.

positive impact for regime

Maintained strict control, limited organised opposition

Helped prevent mass protests before 1989

Supported border security, limited defections

negative impact for people

Damaged the GDR’s international image; seen as oppressive state.

Suppressed basic human rights, free speech, and privacy.

Created atmosphere of fear and mistrust; people suspected friends, neighbours, even family.