Part 1/16:
The Rise and Decline of East Germany’s Economic Power
A Difficult Beginning in the Postwar Era
The German Democratic Republic (GDR), commonly known as East Germany, faced a tumultuous start following the devastation of World War II. The country was shattered by war, occupied by Allied forces, and abruptly shifted towards socialist ideology. Despite these challenges, East Germany emerged as a significant economic force within the Soviet sphere, earning the moniker "jewel" of the COMECON (Council for Mutual Economic Assistance). This article traces the growth, peak, and eventual struggles of the East German economy.