Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Defending the GDR, 1949–61: emigration in the 1950s and its impact on the…
Full specification wording
Establishing and consolidating communist rule in the GDR, c1949–61: Defending the GDR, 1949–61: emigration in the 1950s and its impact on the country; reasons for the crisis of 1960–61; the building of the Berlin Wall and its importance; the influence of Khrushchev.
In the 1950s the GDR faced mass emigration, especially of skilled workers and professionals, which drained the economy and undermined the state’s legitimacy.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 4 of 4
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
In the 1950s the GDR faced mass emigration, especially of skilled workers and professionals, which drained the economy and undermined the state’s legitimacy. By 1960–61 the crisis deepened due to open borders in Berlin, economic failure, and pressure from the USSR. Khrushchev influenced policy by demanding a solution to the Berlin problem and supporting the closure of the border. On 13 August 1961 the Berlin Wall was built, sealing off West Berlin and stopping the refugee flow. Its importance was that it stabilised the GDR economically and politically in the short term, but became a symbol of communist repression. The Wall also heightened Cold War tensions and defined the division of Germany until 1989.
What earns the marks
- Explains that emigration in the 1950s, particularly of skilled workers, professionals and young people, deprived the GDR of labour and expertise and damaged its economic viability.
- Analyses the reasons for the crisis of 1960–61, including the open border in Berlin, economic shortages, collectivisation pressures, and the refugee drain that threatened state survival.
- Describes the building of the Berlin Wall on 13 August 1961 as a physical and symbolic closure of the border between East and West Berlin, initially with barbed wire and later concrete.
- Assesses the importance of the Wall for the GDR, such as stopping the refugee flow, stabilising the economy and regime, and entrenching the division of Germany.
- Explains Khrushchev’s influence, including his ultimatum over Berlin, his support for closing the border, and his role in the broader Cold War confrontation with the West.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Assuming the Berlin Wall was built solely by the GDR without Soviet approval.
Put it right: Khrushchev supported and authorised the closure, and Soviet forces were on standby.
Treating emigration as only a political problem.
Put it right: It was also a severe economic problem because it removed skilled workers and professionals.
Confusing the timing of the Wall with earlier border closures.
Put it right: The decisive closure of the Berlin sector border occurred on 13 August 1961.
Exam tips
- Use precise dates, such as 13 August 1961, and terms like Republikflucht, sector border, and ultimatum, to demonstrate accurate knowledge.
- When discussing impact, distinguish between short-term stabilisation and long-term consequences for the GDR and Cold War.
- Link Khrushchev’s influence to both the Berlin crisis and the decision to build the Wall, showing how superpower politics shaped the GDR.
Try the lesson
The start of the Establishing and consolidating communist rule in the GDR, c1949–61: Defending the GDR, 1949–61: emigration in the 1950s and its impact on the country; reasons for the crisis of 1960–61; the building of the Berlin Wall and its importance; the influence of Khrushchev. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
What was the main route by which people emigrated from the GDR to West Germany before 1961?
Listen
In the 1950s the GDR faced mass emigration, especially of skilled workers and professionals, which drained the economy and undermined the state’s legitimacy. By 1960–61 the crisis deepened due to open borders in Berlin, economic failure, and pressure from the USSR. Khrushchev influenced policy by demanding a solution to the Berlin problem and supporting the closure of the border. On 13 August 1961 the Berlin Wall was built, sealing off West Berlin and stopping the refugee flow. Its importance was that it stabilised the GDR economically and politically in the short term, but became a symbol of communist repression. The Wall also heightened Cold War tensions and defined the division of Germany until 1989. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains that emigration in the 1950s, particularly of skilled workers, professionals and young people, deprived the GDR of labour and expertise and damaged its economic viability. Analyses the reasons for the crisis of 1960–61, including the open border in Berlin, economic shortages, collectivisation pressures, and the refugee drain that threatened state survival. Describes the building of the Berlin Wall on 13 August 1961 as a physical and symbolic closure of the border between East and West Berlin, initially with barbed wire and later concrete. Assesses the importance of the Wall for the GDR, such as stopping the refugee flow, stabilising the economy and regime, and entrenching the division of Germany. A common slip: Assuming the Berlin Wall was built solely by the GDR without Soviet approval. Instead, Khrushchev supported and authorised the closure, and Soviet forces were on standby. Exam tip: Use precise dates, such as 13 August 1961, and terms like Republikflucht, sector border, and ultimatum, to demonstrate accurate knowledge.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Emigration and economic drain
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Crisis of 1960–61
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
The Berlin Wall and division
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
Superpower influence and Cold War
Try answering aloud or in your head before turning the card.
See every definition
- Emigration and economic drain
- Mass departure in the 1950s, especially of skilled workers and professionals, drained the economy and undermined the state's legitimacy.
- Crisis of 1960–61
- A deepening crisis caused by open borders in Berlin, economic failure and pressure from the USSR.
- The Berlin Wall and division
- Built on 13 August 1961, it sealed off West Berlin, stopped the refugee flow and defined the division of Germany until 1989.
- Superpower influence and Cold War
- Khrushchev demanded a solution to the Berlin problem and supported closing the border, and the Wall heightened Cold War tensions.
There is more to this lesson
The full lesson goes on to check your understanding and help you earn the marks. Create a free account to carry on, with your progress saved.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge
Test your understanding of Establishing and consolidating communist rule in the GDR, c1949–61: Defending the GDR, 1949–61: emigration in the 1950s and its impact on the country; reasons for the crisis of 1960–61; the building of the Berlin Wall and its importance; the influence of Khrushchev.
Active recall beats re-reading. Take an instant quiz now to test what you’ve learned and lock it into long-term memory.
A week of Premium from your first lesson · Then the free plan continues · No card, no charge