2.4 How successful was the GDR in improving its international prestige?

Question 1

In 1961 who did the GDR have diplomatic relations with

Answer 1

• with the Eastern bloc states, North Korea and North Vietnam

Question 2

who were the GDR keen to have diplomatic relations with

Answer 2

• those not aligned with the Warsaw pact or NATO

Question 3

what was the name of the treaty that formally recognised the GDR

who by?

Answer 3

• Basic Treaty 1972
• by the FRG

Question 4

what happened in September 1973 and 1975

Answer 4

• September 1973- EG joined the United Nations
• 1975- Helsinki accords were signed.

Question 5

what was the impact of joining the international “club”

Answer 5

• SED could justify the independance of East Germany.

Question 6

Ulbricht visited Egypt in 1965- what did this lead to?

Answer 6

• led to agreements on economic and technical co-operaton, scientific-technical relations, culture and trade
• Egiptian delegation would visit the GDR in the future. which probeds more international recognition.

Question 7

describe the 2 events of the FRG visits to the GDR and their impacts

Answer 7

• Willy Brandt visits Willi Stoph in Berlin 1970- was the 1st visit by FRG chancellor to the GDR
• positive for the FRG but Honecker was not impressed by the response of crowds.
• Schmidt (FRG chancellor) visited GDR in December 1981 which was succesful as it showed in the international climate of the Cold war the 2 Germanys intended on maintainingb a relationship based more on Ostpolitik than mistrust.

Question 8

list at least 3 other visits made by Honecker (GDR) and three visits made by other countries to the GDR.

Answer 8

• Honecker visited Austria, Italy
• visited Belgium, Spain, France, Sweden
• the leaders of Greece, Austria and Denmark also visited the GDR.
• in 1980 and 1985
• gave GDR international recognition as a permanent country.
• However Honecker never received a visit or invitation to go there from the US or UK and never visited the west

Question 9

name one positive impacts of the visits

Answer 9

• reflected growing international recognition of the GDR THAT HAD EMERGED AFTER THE BASIC TREATY OF 1972
• Helped to open up the GDR to outside influences

Question 10

name the negative impacts of the visits

Answer 10

• Honecker never received an invitation from the UK or USA and he never visited the West

Question 11

what did Warsaw pact governments feel about nationalism

Answer 11

• felt nationalist sentiments would override socialist solidarity.

Question 12

how was the GDR perceived in the 1960’s

Answer 12

• some warsaw pact countries resented the arrogance of the East German leadership and feared the links with the FRG.

Question 13

How did Honecker develop better relations in 1967

Answer 13

• signed friendship treaties with Hungary, Czechoslovakia and Bulgaria.

Question 14

what happened in 1968 and what was the impact

Answer 14

• Prague spring reforms introduced in Czechoslovakia
• Brezhnev doctrine introduced.

Question 15

what was the impact of Honecker replacing Ulbricht

Answer 15

• decrease in importance of COMECON and Warsaw pact countries due to Ostpolitik and the GDR leaning economically to the West.

Question 16

what happened in Poland

Answer 16

• Rail links and border to Poland were closed after demands for political reform in Poland grew- military intervention was planned then dismissed as Polish authorities clamped down in the refiormers

Question 17

how did events in Poland impact the GDR

Answer 17

• GDR was still part of the Pact and USSR was in control

Question 18

how were relations between the USSR and GDR damaged

Answer 18

• Ulbricht damaged relations with USSR by describing the GDR as a socialist model to be emulated by others challenging the superiority of the USSR
• Brezhnev met with the SED leadership without Ulbricht being present

Question 19

what happened in the GDR in January 1971

Answer 19

• 13/21 members of the Politburo wanted Ulbricht fired- as Honecker was more willing to conform to the wishes of the USSR and was chosen as leader

Question 20

How did Honecker’s appointment as leader change the relations with the USSR

Answer 20

• he had vital support of the USSR- who were the dominant partner with overall control of all satellite states

Question 21

how did the greater international scene of the cold war play into the USSR utilising the GDR

Answer 21

• 1975 treaty of friendship and mutual assistance hid links between the GDR on the USSR
• 1970’s and 80’s the USSR put pressure on the GDR to tighten up on aspects of quality especially in relation to travel restrictions.
• FRG gave permission for NATO to put mid-range nuclear missiles there and the USSR responded by placing its own in the GDR.