Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands (SED)

The Sozialistische Einheitspartei Deutschlands (SED) was the ruling communist party of East Germany from 1949 to 1989. It was formed by merging the Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party under Soviet influence after World War II. The SED maintained strict control over political life, economy, and society, promoting Marxist-Leninist principles. Its leaders aimed to create a socialist state aligned with Soviet policies, suppressing dissent and opposition. The party’s dominance ended with the fall of East Germany’s socialist regime in 1989, leading to Germany's reunification and the dissolution of the SED.