“He built a wall” they whispered. This unassuming plaque commemorates Walter Ulbricht. A significant figure in 20th-century German history. He played a crucial role in the creation of East Germany. He served as the First Secretary of the Socialist Unity Party from 1950 to 1971. Effectively he was East Germany’s chief decision-maker.
Following Wilhelm Pieck’s death in 1960 Ulbricht became head of state. He led a communist satellite state. This gave him leverage with the Kremlin. For example he successfully pressured for the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961. The Kremlin was initially hesitant.
Ulbricht’s political journey began during the German Empire. In 1912 he joined the Social Democratic Party. Later he joined the anti-World War I Independent Social Democratic Party. He deserted the Imperial German Army in 1918. This was after he’d served in Galicia and the Balkans. He participated in the German Revolution.
He joined the Communist Party of Germany in 1920. He rose through the ranks. He became a member of the Central Committee in 1923. He was a staunch supporter of the Lenin model. He favored a highly centralized party. He even attended the International Lenin School in Moscow.
Ulbricht’s post-war role was crucial in East Germany’s communist takeover. The Social Democrats were pressured to merge with the Communists. Ulbricht played a key role in this merger. This formed the Socialist Unity Party of Germany. Ulbricht became its First Secretary. He effectively led East Germany from 1950 onwards.
The 1953 East German uprising threatened his position. Moscow initially considered a softer approach to Germany. However the uprising led Moscow to support Ulbricht’s hardline stance. Ulbricht hid in Soviet Army headquarters during the uprising. East Germany joined the Warsaw Pact in 1955.
Ulbricht’s economic policies faced challenges. Nationalization of industry failed to improve living standards. This led to massive emigration. Hundreds of thousands fled to West Germany each year in the 1950s. The Berlin Wall in 1961 stopped this emigration.
Ulbricht’s New Economic System faced opposition. His reforms led to his forced retirement in 1971. Erich Honecker replaced him with Soviet approval. Ulbricht suffered a stroke and died in 1973. This plaque is a stark reminder of his complex and controversial legacy. A legacy etched in the history of a divided Berlin. A legacy forever linked to the Berlin Wall.