Deutsche Demokratische Republik (East Germany)

The Deutsche Demokratische Republik (East Germany) was a socialist state existing from 1949 to 1990 in Eastern Europe, aligned with the Soviet Union. It was officially called the German Democratic Republic and was separate from West Germany, with a communist government that controlled all aspects of life, including the economy, media, and political activity. The Berlin Wall symbolized its division from West Berlin and symbolized Cold War tensions. East Germany was characterized by state ownership of industry, limited personal freedoms, and strict government surveillance. It ceased to exist in 1990 when Germany reunified, ending divisions and establishing a democratic, unified country.