(Germany) The People's Revolt...

Mapmaker: Federal Ministry for All-German

(Germany) The People's Revolt...

c. 1954

  • ~Catalog 55~
  • (Germany) THE PEOPLE'S REVOLT of 17 JUNE 1953

    It is lost in today's history, but it's an incredibly important moment. It was the first uprising to happen in the new communist territory of East Germany. Conditions were hard and the government stated that it would increase work hours, as well as the prices of groceries. Just a few months prior Stalin had died, and perhaps everyone felt a bit emboldened. So what began with the strike of construction workers, quickly snow balled into a million people striking and pressing for more than just pay increases.

    This map shows the entirety of the areas effected, from Dresden and Chemnitz to Berlin, Magdeburg, Rostock and even the isle of Bergen. Throughout the map the levels of resistance are symbolically noted on each town, showing where there were "Stoppage of Work", "Demonstration", "Rising" and even the "Successful or attempted release of political prisoners". Issued by the West German government through the "Federal Ministry for All - German Affairs, it was printed in Hannover, and is a dramatic representation. Sadly the revolt came to a terrible end as the East German government realized it was overwhelmed and asked Russia for help. Russian tanks ended the affair with many fatalities, thousands of people arrested and jailed.

    Condition is very good with some supportive repairs to the corner folds. Image size is approximately 42 x 29.75 (inches)