Das Filmmaterial zeigt Szenen vom 17. Juni 1953 und der Filmkommentar stammt aus dem Jahr 1961, wobei am Ende eine Szene aus einer US-Wochenschau hinzugefügt wurde. #194031
Der 17. Juni 1953 in Berlin
Description
The 17th June 1953 in Berlin
The film footage shows scenes from 17 June 1953 and the film commentary dates from 1961, with a scene from a US newsreel added at the end.
Historical background
The “17 June” began weeks before the deadline in East Berlin and spread to other cities and regions of the GDR.
Since May 1953, workers had been protesting against the policies of the GDR government and the economic situation in the country. Their discontent was due to several factors, including labour standards, poor food supplies and a general dissatisfaction with the political system that the SED had established.
People demanded better supplies, higher wages, free elections and political reforms, among other things. The protests were largely spontaneous and were not organised by a central leadership.
The GDR government initially responded with negotiations and concessions, but was ultimately unable to regain control. On 17 June, the Soviet occupying power deployed the military to support the GDR government and violent clashes broke out between the demonstrators and the security forces. It is estimated that around 55 people were killed and hundreds injured in the clashes.
