The German Democratic Republic - Paperback

by Peter Grieder (Author)

A clear, concise and thought-provoking introduction to the history of East Germany which engages critically with key debates and advances new interpretations of the origins, development and demise of the GDR. Peter Grieder also offers an original conceptualization of the GDR as a totalitarian welfare state.

Back Jacket

Peter Grieder offers a thought-provoking introduction to the history of East Germany which engages critically with key debates and advances fresh interpretations. Arguing that the German Democratic Republic (GDR) was a totalitarian welfare state, Grieder:

- divides its life into six phases: conception, construction, consolidation, conservatism, crisis, and collapse
- analyses key concepts in the Introduction
- provides an overall assessment of the GDR at the end of the volume
- integrates experiences of individual GDR citizens in order to gain a deeper understanding of the East German polity.

Clear, concise and up-to-date, this is an essential new study for anyone with an interest in the origins, development and ultimate downfall of the self-proclaimed 'Workers' and Peasants' Power'.

Author Biography

PETER GRIEDER Lecturer in Twentieth-Century History at the University of Hull, UK.
PETER GRIEDER Lecturer in Twentieth-Century History at the University of Hull, UK.