11th and 12th the SED changes tack, and announce changes in their policy. But, on the 16th of June, and article in “die Tribune” suggests that these increased quotas will remain. Demonstrations begin, and a General Strike beings the day afterwards. In conclusion, it is probably fairest to say that the working class protests began mainly due to a number of long-term and short-term reasons. However, to amplify on that statement, it is also fair to say that a lot of these causes, both long and shot term can be seen as the fault of the leadership of the GDR. Many of these mistakes were really inherent problems of Stalinism. Collectivisation always lead to decreased productivity. The five-year plans always made outrageous targets that were just not possible to reach with the resources available. Added to this was the changing role of the trade unions, which lead to disputes between the workers and the party as to what role they should play. All in all, the causes, when by themselves, while problems, but not major ones. When added together over time, they lead to demonstrations and a General Strike. ...
