. . .and not in a good way.
History has a habit of repeating itself, and in many situations, the people behind it also have a nasty habit of repeating themselves, too, and not often in a good or beneficial way. So, it’s important to keep things (and people) in check. The best way is to never forget. Germany has had a complex and checkered past. We all know that. But, what that country has done is to atone, reflect and move forward as a world leader of leaders.
The Stasi (short for Ministerium für Staatssicherheit, or Ministry for State Security) was the official state security service and secret police of the German Democratic Republic (GDR), commonly known as East Germany, from 1950 until the country’s dissolution in 1990. Their place in East Germany was central and pervasive, making them one of the most feared and effective instruments of control wielded by the ruling Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED). They were often referred to as the “Shield and Sword of the Party,” emphasizing their role in protecting the SED’s power and suppressing any opposition.
Some of us may not be old enough to recall how bad things had been and how long it took to heal. Germany was certainly not the only country to face up to this, but it has excelled in correcting the wrong. It’s something that everyone should discover and absorb. If you’re the inquisitive type who longs to deeply understand how the world worked and how it works now, our affiliate friends Musement have a huge array activities for you. To book your tour, click here
Maintaining State Authority and the SED’s Power: This was the Stasi’s primary function. They acted as the eyes and ears of the regime, identifying, monitoring, and neutralizing any real or perceived threats to the SED’s rule. Want to learn more, in person? Our affiliate friends, Musement have a comprehensive selection of activities for you. Click here.
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