1st Edition

The Official Concept of the Nation in the Former GDR Theory, Pragmatism and the Search for Legitimacy

By Joanna McKay Copyright 1998
    187 Pages
    by Routledge

    187 Pages
    by Routledge

    First published in 1998, this volume joined the effort to understand the former German Democratic Republic, with the aim of reaching a better understanding of the psychologically painful process of German reunification following the collapse of East-German communism in 1989. While born illegitimate and artificial, the country determined the lives of millions of people, despite having now disappeared from the map. This study from Joanna McKay incorporates previously unavailable archive material and focuses on some of the most challenging, ever-present tasks for the GDR leaders. In particular, she examines how they approached explaining the division with West Germany without undermining the legitimacy of the GDR.

    1. Introduction. 2. The Fight to Preserve the Unity of the German Nation. 3. The Unity of the Nation in Doubt. 4. The ‘Socialist Nation’ in the GDR. 5. The ‘Socialist German Nation’ – From Consolidation to Crisis. 6. Conclusion.

    Biography

    Joanna McKay