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The German Economic Commission (DWK) was a provisional government established by the East German state in 1948, with Heinrich Rau as its chairman.
Answer: False
Explanation: The German Economic Commission (DWK) was a de facto government established by the Soviet authorities in their occupation zone in 1948, *prior* to the proclamation of an East German state, not by the East German state itself.
The German Democratic Republic (GDR) was officially proclaimed on October 7, 1949, subsequently taking over governmental functions from the German Economic Commission.
Answer: True
Explanation: The German Democratic Republic (GDR) was officially proclaimed on October 7, 1949, and subsequently assumed governmental functions from the German Economic Commission (DWK).
The first formal head of state position in the German Democratic Republic was the Chairman of the State Council.
Answer: False
Explanation: The initial formal head of state position in the German Democratic Republic was the President of the German Democratic Republic, an office that existed from the country's founding until 1960.
Who was the chairman of the German Economic Commission (DWK), a de facto government established by the Soviets in their occupation zone in 1948?
Answer: Heinrich Rau
Explanation: Heinrich Rau was the chairman of the German Economic Commission (DWK), which functioned as a de facto government established by the Soviets in their occupation zone in 1948.
On what date was the German Democratic Republic (GDR) officially proclaimed?
Answer: October 7, 1949
Explanation: The German Democratic Republic (GDR) was officially proclaimed on October 7, 1949.
What was the initial formal head of state position in the German Democratic Republic from its founding until 1960?
Answer: President of the German Democratic Republic
Explanation: From its founding until 1960, the initial formal head of state position in the German Democratic Republic was the President of the German Democratic Republic.
Walter Ulbricht and Erich Honecker served as the Joint Chairmen of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) from 1946 to 1950.
Answer: False
Explanation: Wilhelm Pieck and Otto Grotewohl served as the Joint Chairmen of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) from 1946 to 1950, not Walter Ulbricht and Erich Honecker.
Erich Honecker was the first First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party, taking office in 1950.
Answer: False
Explanation: Walter Ulbricht was the first First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party, taking office on July 25, 1950. Erich Honecker succeeded him much later in 1971.
Walter Ulbricht served as First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party for approximately 15 years, from 1950 to 1965.
Answer: False
Explanation: Walter Ulbricht served as First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party for 20 years and 282 days, from July 25, 1950, until May 3, 1971.
Walter Ulbricht's leadership was associated with the 'Unity of Economic and Social Policy' and 'Rapprochement' (Ostpolitik).
Answer: False
Explanation: The policies of 'Unity of Economic and Social Policy' and 'Rapprochement' (Ostpolitik) were associated with Erich Honecker's leadership, while Walter Ulbricht's era included policies like 'Construction of Socialism' and farm collectivization.
Erich Honecker succeeded Walter Ulbricht as the leader of the Socialist Unity Party, taking office as General Secretary on May 3, 1971.
Answer: True
Explanation: Erich Honecker indeed succeeded Walter Ulbricht as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party on May 3, 1971.
Erich Honecker served as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party for a period of 20 years and 282 days.
Answer: False
Explanation: Erich Honecker served as General Secretary for 18 years and 168 days. The period of 20 years and 282 days refers to Walter Ulbricht's tenure as First Secretary.
During Erich Honecker's leadership, the primary policies included 'Stalinism' and 'farm collectivization'.
Answer: False
Explanation: 'Stalinism' and 'farm collectivization' were policies associated with Walter Ulbricht's leadership, whereas Erich Honecker's primary policies included the 'Unity of Economic and Social Policy' and 'Rapprochement' (Ostpolitik).
Erich Honecker peacefully assumed power after Walter Ulbricht voluntarily retired due to old age.
Answer: False
Explanation: Erich Honecker came to power by assembling a Politburo majority against Walter Ulbricht and forcing his resignation with Soviet approval, due to policy failures and strained relations with Brezhnev.
Egon Krenz succeeded Erich Honecker as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party on October 18, 1989.
Answer: True
Explanation: Egon Krenz succeeded Erich Honecker as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party, taking office on October 18, 1989.
Erich Honecker's downfall in 1989 was primarily due to a successful military coup.
Answer: False
Explanation: Erich Honecker's downfall in 1989 was caused by a severe economic crisis, unsustainable debt, a strong opposition movement, and his failing health, leading to his deposition by Egon Krenz within the Politburo, not a military coup.
Who were the Joint Chairmen of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) from April 22, 1946, to July 25, 1950?
Answer: Wilhelm Pieck and Otto Grotewohl
Explanation: Wilhelm Pieck and Otto Grotewohl served as the Joint Chairmen of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) from April 22, 1946, to July 25, 1950.
Who was the first First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party, taking office on July 25, 1950?
Answer: Walter Ulbricht
Explanation: Walter Ulbricht was the first First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party, taking office on July 25, 1950.
What was the duration of Walter Ulbricht's tenure as First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party?
Answer: 20 years and 282 days
Explanation: Walter Ulbricht served as First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party for 20 years and 282 days, from July 25, 1950, to May 3, 1971.
Which of the following policies was associated with Walter Ulbricht's leadership?
Answer: 'Construction of Socialism'
Explanation: 'Construction of Socialism' was one of the key policies associated with Walter Ulbricht's leadership, among others like Stalinism and farm collectivization.
Who succeeded Walter Ulbricht as the leader of the Socialist Unity Party, taking office as General Secretary on May 3, 1971?
Answer: Erich Honecker
Explanation: Erich Honecker succeeded Walter Ulbricht as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party on May 3, 1971.
What was the duration of Erich Honecker's leadership as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party?
Answer: 18 years and 168 days
Explanation: Erich Honecker served as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party for 18 years and 168 days, from May 3, 1971, to October 18, 1989.
Which of the following were primary policies implemented during Erich Honecker's leadership?
Answer: 'Unity of Economic and Social Policy' and 'Rapprochement' (Ostpolitik)
Explanation: Erich Honecker's leadership was characterized by the 'Unity of Economic and Social Policy' and 'Rapprochement' (Ostpolitik), which aimed at improving relations with West Germany.
How did Erich Honecker come to power, replacing Walter Ulbricht in 1971?
Answer: He assembled a Politburo majority against Ulbricht and forced his resignation with Soviet approval.
Explanation: Erich Honecker ascended to power by assembling a Politburo majority against Walter Ulbricht and forcing his resignation with Soviet approval, citing Ulbricht's policy failures and poor relationship with Brezhnev.
Who succeeded Erich Honecker as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party on October 18, 1989?
Answer: Egon Krenz
Explanation: Egon Krenz succeeded Erich Honecker as General Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party on October 18, 1989.
Which of the following was a key factor contributing to Erich Honecker's downfall and resignation in 1989?
Answer: A severe economic crisis and unsustainable debt burden in the GDR.
Explanation: A severe economic crisis, unsustainable debt burden, and the emergence of a strong opposition movement were key factors in Erich Honecker's downfall and resignation in 1989.
Before December 1989, the Volkskammer, cabinet, and State Council in the German Democratic Republic were primarily responsible for independently formulating state policy.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Volkskammer, cabinet, and State Council primarily functioned as 'rubber stamps' before December 1989, implementing decisions made by the Socialist Unity Party's (SED) leadership rather than independently formulating policy.
Following Wilhelm Pieck's death in 1960, the office of President of the German Democratic Republic was replaced by the National Defense Council.
Answer: False
Explanation: After Wilhelm Pieck's death in 1960, the office of President of the German Democratic Republic was replaced by the State Council, not the National Defense Council.
The Chairman of the State Council was typically an independent political figure, separate from the leadership of the Socialist Unity Party.
Answer: False
Explanation: The position of Chairman of the State Council was commonly held by the leader of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), consolidating the party's control over the state apparatus.
The government in the German Democratic Republic was headed by the Council of Ministers and its chairman, whose decisions were ultimately dictated by the ruling Socialist Unity Party.
Answer: True
Explanation: The government in the German Democratic Republic was headed by the Council of Ministers and its chairman, but its decisions were ultimately dictated by the ruling Socialist Unity Party.
The Council of Ministers in the German Democratic Republic had the authority to veto decisions made by the Socialist Unity Party's Central Committee.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Council of Ministers' function was to implement decisions made by the Socialist Unity Party (SED), indicating it did not have the authority to veto the party's Central Committee decisions.
The National Defense Council, established in the German Democratic Republic in 1960, held supreme command of the GDR's armed forces and possessed unlimited authority over the state during wartime.
Answer: True
Explanation: The National Defense Council, established in 1960, was indeed responsible for supreme command of the GDR's armed forces and possessed unlimited authority over the state during wartime.
The National Defense Council was composed of members from various political parties to ensure broad representation in military matters.
Answer: False
Explanation: The National Defense Council was composed exclusively of members from the Socialist Unity Party's (SED) Central Committee and Politburo, ensuring party control rather than broad representation from various political parties.
Before December 1989, what was the primary function of the Volkskammer, cabinet, and State Council in the German Democratic Republic?
Answer: To implement decisions made by the Socialist Unity Party's (SED) leader and Politburo.
Explanation: Before December 1989, the Volkskammer, cabinet, and State Council primarily served as 'rubber stamps,' implementing policies formulated by the Socialist Unity Party (SED) leadership.
After the death of Wilhelm Pieck in 1960, what body replaced the President of the German Democratic Republic as head of state?
Answer: The State Council
Explanation: Following Wilhelm Pieck's death in 1960, the State Council replaced the office of President of the German Democratic Republic as head of state.
Who commonly held the position of Chairman of the State Council in the German Democratic Republic?
Answer: The leader of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED)
Explanation: The Chairman of the State Council was typically the leader of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), consolidating the party's control over the state apparatus.
What body headed the government in the German Democratic Republic, with its chairman sometimes referred to as the Prime Minister?
Answer: The Council of Ministers
Explanation: The Council of Ministers, led by its chairman (sometimes colloquially referred to as the Prime Minister), headed the government in the German Democratic Republic.
What was the primary function of the Council of Ministers in the German Democratic Republic concerning the ruling party?
Answer: To implement the decisions made by the Socialist Unity Party (SED).
Explanation: The Council of Ministers' primary function was to implement the decisions made by the Socialist Unity Party (SED), reflecting the party's direct control over governmental operations.
What was the primary responsibility of the National Defense Council, established in the German Democratic Republic in 1960?
Answer: To hold supreme command of the GDR's armed forces and possess unlimited authority during wartime.
Explanation: The National Defense Council, established in 1960, held supreme command of the GDR's armed forces and possessed unlimited authority over the state during wartime.
The Peaceful Revolution of late 1989 resulted in the Socialist Unity Party (SED) strengthening its monopoly on political power in the German Democratic Republic.
Answer: False
Explanation: The Peaceful Revolution led to the Socialist Unity Party (SED) relinquishing its monopoly on political power, fundamentally changing the country's governance, rather than strengthening it.
The end of Communist rule in the German Democratic Republic was formally marked by the Volkskammer removing the constitutional guarantee of the Socialist Unity Party's monopoly on power on December 1, 1989.
Answer: True
Explanation: The Volkskammer's removal of the constitutional guarantee for the SED's monopoly on political power on December 1, 1989, formally marked the end of Communist rule in the German Democratic Republic.
During the Peaceful Revolution in late 1989, the National Defense Council and the State Council were reformed to adapt to the new political landscape, but not abolished.
Answer: False
Explanation: During the Peaceful Revolution in late 1989, both the National Defense Council and the State Council were abolished, with their responsibilities transferred to other remaining institutions.
After the State Council was abolished on April 5, 1990, Hans Modrow became the interim head of state by default.
Answer: False
Explanation: After the State Council was abolished on April 5, 1990, Sabine Bergmann-Pohl, as President of the People's Chamber, became the interim head of state by default.
The German Democratic Republic (GDR) joined the Federal Republic of Germany on October 3, 1990, leading to German reunification.
Answer: True
Explanation: German reunification occurred on October 3, 1990, when the German Democratic Republic (GDR) officially joined the Federal Republic of Germany.
What significant political event in late 1989 led to the Socialist Unity Party (SED) relinquishing its monopoly on political power in the German Democratic Republic?
Answer: The Peaceful Revolution.
Explanation: The Peaceful Revolution in late 1989 was the significant political event that led to the Socialist Unity Party (SED) relinquishing its constitutional monopoly on political power.
What constitutional change, enacted on December 1, 1989, marked the end of Communist rule in the German Democratic Republic?
Answer: The Volkskammer removing the section guaranteeing the SED's monopoly on political power.
Explanation: The end of Communist rule was marked by the Volkskammer's decision on December 1, 1989, to remove the constitutional guarantee of the SED's monopoly on political power.
What was the fate of the National Defense Council and the State Council during the Peaceful Revolution in late 1989?
Answer: They were abolished, and their responsibilities were transferred.
Explanation: During the Peaceful Revolution, both the National Defense Council and the State Council were abolished, with their responsibilities transferred to other institutions.
Who became the interim head of state after the State Council was abolished on April 5, 1990?
Answer: Sabine Bergmann-Pohl
Explanation: Sabine Bergmann-Pohl, as President of the People's Chamber, became the interim head of state after the State Council was abolished on April 5, 1990.
On what date did the German Democratic Republic (GDR) join the Federal Republic of Germany, leading to reunification?
Answer: October 3, 1990
Explanation: The German Democratic Republic (GDR) joined the Federal Republic of Germany on October 3, 1990, marking German reunification.
Socialist Unity Party (SED) and Centralized Power
Prior to December 1, 1989, the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) held a constitutional monopoly on political power in the German Democratic Republic.
Answer: True
Explanation: The source explicitly states that the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) held ultimate political power and a constitutional monopoly over the state and government in the German Democratic Republic before December 1, 1989.
Before the constitutional changes of 1989, the de facto leader of the German Democratic Republic was the Chairman of the State Council.
Answer: False
Explanation: The de facto leader of the German Democratic Republic prior to the 1989 constitutional changes was the head of the Socialist Unity Party's (SED) Politburo of the Central Committee, as the party set all state policy.
According to the source, what was the ultimate source of political power in the German Democratic Republic before December 1, 1989?
Answer: The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED), enshrined in the constitution.
Explanation: The Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) held ultimate political power, a monopoly guaranteed by the GDR's constitution before December 1, 1989.
Before the constitutional change in 1989, what position was considered the de facto leader of the German Democratic Republic?
Answer: The head of the Socialist Unity Party's (SED) Politburo of the Central Committee.
Explanation: Prior to the 1989 constitutional changes, the de facto leader of the German Democratic Republic was the head of the Socialist Unity Party's (SED) Politburo of the Central Committee, as the party dictated all state policy.