Chapter 21Commonalities and differences FRG vs GDR: Freedom of Speech

Where were people more likely to voice their concerns, and air their grievances? In West or East Germany? Were “fake news” an issue in divided Germany? How has a long history of censorship (Third Reich, GDR) shaped German attitudes towards freedom of expression? How much freedom of expression is necessary in a society? And lastly, does it strengthen or weaken a social system?

These videos give some answers.

1. SOCIALISM 1947-1989
42 years of Socialism: Given the widespread popular discontent and shortage of basic daily goods, Socialism had a long life in East Germany. How do we make sense of this longevity? Andrew Port, PhD, professor of history at Wayne State University, talks about why there were no notable mass protests in the GDR between 1953 and 1989. 

2. FREEDOM OF SPEECH: WEST GERMANY
The restriction of freedom of speech is taken for granted in the case of East Germany, but what about West Germany?

3. FAKE NEWS?
Were East Germans ever worried that their Western News were actually fake news? If so, were there any major instances where the government interfered with the Western broadcasts?

4. WHAT IS THE ROLE OF FREEDOM OF SPEECH?
Does freedom of expression strengthen or weaken a social system?

5. PROTEST IN DIVIDED GERMANY
Where were the citizens able to protest/express their opinion/air their grievances more freely? In East or West Germany?

6. HOW MANY PARTIES....
....can a democracy handle? Is it possible to have too many parties? When do too many parties lead to dysfunctional politics? 

7. DID THE GDR HAVE OPPOSITIONAL MOVEMENTS?
The history of the 1953 crushed worker's uprising by the Soviet troops is well known, but did the GDR have other oppositional movements? 

8. ART AND PUBLIC EXPRESSION OF DISSENT
Public expressions of dissent in the GDR were limited to spaces (under close surveillance) as the church and certain party gatherings, but individuals carved out room for freedom in the arts and other (semi)private spaces. 



PARTNERS
Bundesstiftung Aufarbeitung der SED-Diktatur (Federal Foundation for the Reappraisal of the SED Dictatorship), German Consulate General New York, German American Partnership Program (GAPP), American Association of Teachers of German (AATG), Transatlantic Outreach Program (TOP) and Spark for German.