322: East Germany: Life Behind the Iron Curtain

In this episode of "The Rest Is History," Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook interview Katja Hoyer, author of "Beyond the Wall," about the history of East Germany (GDR). They discuss the unique and debated origins of the GDR, Stalin's reluctance towards its creation, and the influence of German communists. The conversation explores the political climate shaped by leaders who survived purges, the possibility of a unified Germany, and the initial violence and idealism during the GDR's foundation. They further examine the economic and social factors leading to the Berlin Wall's construction, the consumer society within East Germany, and the eventual collapse of the regime due to internal pressures and external influences, including Helmut Kohl's promises. The episode concludes with a reflection on the lasting legacy and cultural distinctions that still mark the former East Germany.