Podcast
After spending time as a tour guide, I became frustrated by only being able to discuss Berlin and German history. I wanted to explore stories from around the world—because history everywhere is fascinating! This led me to launch the podcast, originally called “The History Buff,” now rebranded as the Ministry of History Podcast.
East Germany (Part 3): The 1953 June Uprising
In this third episode of the East Germany series, Artie is joined by Deputy Minister and fellow Berlin tour guide Tina to discuss East Germany’s first major crisis.
By the early 1950s, West Germany was booming thanks to American subsidies, while the GDR remained in ruins, burdened by Soviet reparation payments. Living standards had declined, fuelling unrest. When the government ordered a 10% productivity increase without extra pay, anger boiled over. On 16 June 1953, workers in East Berlin went on strike. By the next day, protests had spread nationwide, turning into a full-scale uprising. Crowds stormed government buildings, tore down propaganda, and overpowered security forces. The SED was on the brink of collapse—until Soviet tanks rolled in.
The uprising was brutally crushed, killing 55 people, with more subsequently executed after show trials. In response, the GDR expanded Stasi surveillance, cementing its status as one of history’s most oppressive police states.
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Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
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