REUTERS

Divisions

Founded in 1949, the German Democratic Republic was beholden to the Soviet Union until reunification with West Germany on Oct. 3, 1990. Today, the states of Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Thuringia comprise what was once East Germany.

Chimes of Freedom: How Springsteen Helped Tear Down the Wall

Chimes of Freedom: How Springsteen Helped Tear Down the Wall

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 19, 2013

In July 1988, Bruce Springsteen gave East Germany the biggest rock concert it ever saw. In a new book, journalist Erik Kirschbaum says the Boss inspired an entire generation to strive for more freedom -- and deserves some credit for the fall of the Berlin Wall. By David Crossland more... Comment ]

The Next Disaster? Berlin Lays Cornerstone of Troubled Palace

The Next Disaster? Berlin Lays Cornerstone of Troubled Palace

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 12, 2013

The cornerstone was laid on Wednesday on the reconstruction of the Berlin palace that was once home to Prussian rulers. The need for such a structure is debatable, and funding looks shaky. It could become yet another addition to Germany's collection of cursed construction projects. more... Comment ]

Forbidden Photos: Secret Shots of Hitler's Bunker

Forbidden Photos: Secret Shots of Hitler's Bunker

SPIEGEL ONLINE - June 04, 2013

Starting in 1987, Robert Conrad risked his freedom to secretly photograph Adolf Hitler's decaying bunker in what was then East Berlin. Disguised as a construction worker, he snuck inside some 30 times, and has now finally revealed his work. By Christoph Gunkel more... Comment ]

Deadly Drug Trials: Western Firms Bribed East German Doctors

Deadly Drug Trials: Western Firms Bribed East German Doctors

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 22, 2013

It wasn't just the East German government that benefited from risky patient drug trials commissioned by Western pharmaceutical manufacturers decades ago. These companies also sent liaisons with lavish gifts to bribe and influence doctors to participate. By Nicola Kuhrt and Peter Wensierski more... Comment ]

Political Conspiracy Theories: Angela Merkel Is No KGB 'Sleeper Agent'

Political Conspiracy Theories: Angela Merkel Is No KGB 'Sleeper Agent'

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 16, 2013

Ever wondered what Angela Merkel had in mind with her decision to phase out nuclear energy? Dependency on Russian energy, if you believe some prominent conspiracy theorists. They'd like you to believe the German chancellor is some kind of KGB "sleeper agent" installed by Moscow at the end of the Cold War. By Jan Fleischhauer more... Comment ]

Deadly Side Effects: New Details Emerge in East German Drug Test Scandal

Deadly Side Effects: New Details Emerge in East German Drug Test Scandal

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 14, 2013

Until the fall of the Wall, Western pharmaceutical companies conducted drug trials in East German hospitals. More than 50,000 patients served as subjects, often without their knowledge, and many died. The human experiments haven't been fully investigated to this day despite fresh evidence of wrongdoing. By Nicola Kuhrt and Peter Wensierski more... Comment ]

New Biography Causes Stir: How Close Was Merkel to the Communist System?

New Biography Causes Stir: How Close Was Merkel to the Communist System?

SPIEGEL ONLINE - May 14, 2013

A biography focusing on Chancellor Angela Merkel's time growing up in East Germany is making headlines because it suggests she was closer to the communist system than hitherto known. Her spokesman has denied she has covered anything up. more...

Rust in Peace: East Germany's Forgotten Factories

Rust in Peace: East Germany's Forgotten Factories

SPIEGEL ONLINE - April 12, 2013

After Germany's reunification, factories across former East Germany shut down, fracturing communities and falling into disrepair. A new photo book details the abandoned workshops of a planned economy cut loose. By Fabienne Hurst more... Comment ]

The Iron Closet: Documentary Explores Gay Life in East Germany

The Iron Closet: Documentary Explores Gay Life in East Germany

SPIEGEL ONLINE - February 15, 2013

East Germany decriminalized homosexuality early on, a move that was touted as an example of its progressivism. But a documentary that premiered at the Berlin International Film Festival this week shows the regime was still deeply homophobic. By James Kirchick more... Comment ]

Before the Wall: The Soviet Fight for Postwar Berlin

Before the Wall: The Soviet Fight for Postwar Berlin

SPIEGEL ONLINE - December 05, 2012

Although Berlin was split into four sectors in 1945, the Soviets were determined to see a unified city under their control. Their tactics for undermining the other occupying powers ranged from seductive to brutal, and a desperate blockade backfired into a 40-year divide. more... Comment ]

Western Pharmaceutical Trials: Patients Misused as Guinea Pigs in East Germany

Western Pharmaceutical Trials: Patients Misused as Guinea Pigs in East Germany

SPIEGEL ONLINE - December 05, 2012

Prior to the fall of the Berlin Wall, East Germany sold patients as unwitting guinea pigs in drug trials conducted on behalf of Western pharmaceutical companies, according to a TV documentary. Journalists have spoken to former patients and their relatives and unearthed official documents proving secret collusion between the East and West. By Nicola Kuhrt more... Comment ]