Introduction
East Germany was a country that existed from 1949 to 1990. It was created from the Soviet Occupation Zone of Germany, after World War II. The country was divided into two parts, East and West Germany, with the Berlin Wall separating the two. In this article, we will explore the map of East Germany before 1989.
What was East Germany?
East Germany was a socialist state that was created as a result of the Soviet Union’s occupation of Germany after World War II. The country was officially known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR), and it was led by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED).
What did the Map of East Germany Look Like?
The map of East Germany before 1989 shows a country that was roughly the size of the state of Ohio. It had a coastline along the Baltic Sea, and it shared borders with West Germany, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and Denmark.
The Physical Geography of East Germany
East Germany was a landlocked country that had a diverse landscape. The northern part of the country was dominated by the North European Plain, while the southern part was characterized by the Central European uplands. The Ore Mountains, which run along the border between East and West Germany, were an important source of minerals.
What Were the Major Cities of East Germany?
The major cities of East Germany included Berlin, Leipzig, Dresden, and Erfurt. Berlin was the capital of East Germany and was divided into two parts by the Berlin Wall.
The Political Geography of East Germany
East Germany was divided into 15 administrative districts, called Bezirke. Each Bezirk was further divided into smaller administrative units, called Kreise. The capital city of each Bezirk was also the name of the Bezirk itself.
How Was East Germany Governed?
East Germany was a socialist state, and the government was controlled by the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). The head of state was the chairman of the State Council, and the head of government was the chairman of the Council of Ministers.
What Was Life Like in East Germany?
Life in East Germany was heavily influenced by the government’s socialist policies. The government owned most of the country’s industries, and there were strict controls on the media and freedom of speech. However, the government also provided a wide range of social services, including free healthcare and education.
The Fall of the Berlin Wall
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the end for East Germany. The country was reunited with West Germany in 1990, and the German Democratic Republic ceased to exist.
What Happened to the Map of East Germany After 1989?
After the fall of the Berlin Wall, the map of East Germany underwent significant changes. The country was reunited with West Germany, and the boundary between the two countries was erased. Today, the former territory of East Germany is divided into five states: Berlin, Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Saxony, and Saxony-Anhalt.
Conclusion
The map of East Germany before 1989 is a testament to the country’s unique history and culture. While the country no longer exists, its legacy lives on in the people and places that were once part of the German Democratic Republic.
What Can We Learn from the Map of East Germany Before 1989?
The map of East Germany before 1989 reminds us of the importance of freedom and democracy. It serves as a reminder of the dangers of totalitarianism and the importance of preserving individual rights and freedoms.
