Background: Anniversaries were big events in the GDR. These posters come from material prepared for the 30th anniversary of the GDR in 1979. The points they make are a good summary of the GDR’s general propaganda line: a youthful, peace-loving, hard-working state that was strongly supported by its citizens.
The source: The material was prepared by the East German Communist Party section that provided posters. The scans were supplied by Ingo Geisel.
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Caption: “Everything for Human Happiness.” |
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Caption: “The GDR: The socialist state of workers and farmers.” |
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The sign being carried says “Long Live the German Democratic Republic.” The caption at the bottom says: “Confident in our strength October 1949.” That is the date of the GDR’s founding. |
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The poster shows a page from an appointment calendar. The events listed are getting up, the parade, lunch, a visit to the park, the disco, and “Fireworks with M.” The GDR tended to make holidays as enjoyable as possible. People were not always enthused about marching past the leaders, but the rest of the day was usually worth it. |
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The dove emphasizes the GDR’s claim to be a peace-loving state. |
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Caption: “DDR 30. Success through cooperation.” We see a GDR astrononaut who had been part of a Soviet space mission. |
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Caption: “Our congratulations!” |
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Caption: “The GDR. My state.” |
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Caption: “A secure future.” |
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A telegram from children. The caption says: “Congratulations to the GDR on its 30th birthday. We are proud of you.” |
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Caption: “1848—1918—1948. We are fulfilling the legacy of the revolutionary German workers movement.” |
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Caption: “Tomorrow I’ll do the building...” |
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Caption: “I am proud to be a citizen of the GDR.” |
[Page copyright © 1998 by Randall Bytwerk. No unauthorized reproduction. My e-mail address is available on the FAQ page.]
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