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Exodus from East GermanyBetween January and August of 1961, about 160,000 refugees fled from East Germany to West Germany. There were two main reasons why the mass exodus took place. One was the poor economic conditions compared to other countries. All citizens were required to work on collective state owned farms. Private trade and private ownership of land were outlawed. Social problems also contributed to the emigration. There were mass food shortages that caused the citizens to become increasingly discontent. In addition supply shortages ,both personal and commercial, occurred. Comparison between West and East Germany increased the desire to be in the west. West Germany offered immigrants more freedom of movement, move economic choices, and greater control over their government.
(c) 2001 Nathan Wolski All pictures and graphics are reproduced with permission of owners and are under copyright of there respective owners. |
