DDR

Using extracts taken from a variety of contemporary sources including newspaper reports, interviews, popular opinion, leaflets, slogans, official speeches, commentary and analysis, from both sides of the border, Paul Jackson traces the dramatic events which led to the break-up of the GDR and the reunification of Germany, and the larger political framework in which this took place. Extracts are chosen to represent all colours of the political spectrum and the chronological arrangement of the material both conveys the sense of dramatic tension and immediacy and also provides a basis for detached analysis in topic-based activities and class discussion. Brief commentaries in English link the extracts and provide the student with a contextual framework within which to work. All texts are followed by a short select vocabulary and extensive notes where necessary to enable the student to negotiate everyday colloquialisms, GDR slang and key political or constitutional concepts.