Table Of Contentarea handbook series
Germany
East
a country study
i
i
Germany
East
a country study
Federal Research Division
Library of Congress
Edited by
Stephen R. Burant
Research Completed
July 1987
On the cover: Looking across the Karl Marx Bridge to
Marx-Engels Square in East Berlin
Third Edition, First Printing, 1988.
Copyright ®1988 United States Government as represented by
the Secretary of the Army. All rights reserved.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
East Germany a country study.
:
(DA pam 550-155)
;
"Research completed July 1987."
Bibliography: p. 381.
Includes index.
D
Supt. of Docs, no.: 101.22:155/987
1. Germany (East) I. Burant, Stephen R., 1954-
II. Library of Congress. Federal Research Division. III. Series.
DD280.6.E22 1988 943.1087 87-600490
Headquarters, Department of the Army
DA Pam 550-155
Korsaleby [heSuperintendent ofDocuments, U.S. Government PrintingOffice
Washington, DC. 20402
Foreword
This volume is one in a continuing series of books now being
prepared by the Federal Research Division ofthe Library ofCon-
—
gress under the Country Studies Area Handbook Program. The
last page of this book lists the other published studies.
Most books in the series deal with a particular foreign country,
describing and analyzing its political, economic, social, and national
security systems and institutions, and examining the interrelation-
ships of those systems and the ways they are shaped by cultural
factors. Each study is written by a multidisciplinary team ofsocial
scientists. The authors seek to provide a basic understanding of
the observed society, striving for a dynamic rather than a static
portrayal. Particular attention is devoted to the people who make
up the society, theirorigins, dominant beliefs and values, theircom-
mon interests and the issues on which they are divided, the nature
and extent oftheir involvement with national institutions, and their
attitudes toward each other and toward their social system and
political order.
The books represent the analysis ofthe authors and should not
be construed as an expression ofan official United States govern-
ment position, policy, or decision. The authors have sought to
adhere to accepted standards ofscholarly objectivity. Corrections,
additions, and suggestions for changes from readers will be wel-
comed for use in future editions.
Carol Migdalovitz
Acting Chief
Federal Research Division
Library of Congress
Washington, D.C. 20540
111
Acknowledgments
The authors wish to acknowledge their use and adaptation of
substantial portions ofthe 1982 edition ofEast Germany: A Country
Study, which was edited by Eugene K. Keefe. The authors of the
1982 edition whose work was used in this edition were as follows:
Rosalyn L. Unger, "Historical Setting"; Sallie M. Hicks, "The
Society and Its Environment"; Arthur A. Stahnke, "The Econ-
omy";John M. Starrels, "Government and Politics"; William P.
Baxter, "National Security"; and Carl H. McMillan, "The Coun-
cil for Mutual Economic Assistance." The authors are also grate-
ful to E. Wayne Merry ofthe Department ofState, who provided
information and insights on East German affairs. Robert E.
McKeown and Scott McKnight furnished their expertise on the
National People's Army. None ofthe individuals is responsible for
the contents of this edition, however.
In addition, the authors express their appreciation to members
ofthe Federal Research Division staffwho made significant con-
tributions to the preparation of this study. The authors owe spe-
cial thanks to Richard Nyrop, who supplied invaluable help and
suggestions at all stages ofthe production process. Thanks go also
to Marilyn L. Majeska, who edited the manuscript and oversaw
its production, and to editorial assistants Barbara Edgerton and
Izella Watson, who helped prepare the manuscript. Invaluable
graphics support was provided by David P. Cabitto and his assis-
tants, Sandra K. Cotugno and Kimberly A. Lord. Thanks are owed
to Susan M. Lender, who reviewed the map drafts, and Harriett
R. Blood, who prepared the final maps. Stanley M. Sciora fur-
nished detailed information on the ranks and insignia ofthe East
German armed forces, in addition to the forces ofthe other mem-
bers of the Warsaw Pact. The index was prepared by Editorial
Experts, and Andrea T. Merrill performed the final prepublica-
tion review. DiannJ. Johnson, ofthe Library ofCongress Com-
posingUnit, prepared the camera-ready copyunderthe supervision
of Peggy Pixley.
Finally, the authors wish to note the generosity of individuals
and private agencies who provided photographs foruse in this book.
The authors are especially grateful for original work not previously
published.
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