What does Russia's aggression against Ukraine have to do with the failed rebellion in the communist German Democratic Republic (GDR) that began on June 17, 1953? In a narrower sense, those two events have no points of contact.
But if we step aside, similar motives can be glimpsed beneath all the differences and historical circumstances. Both on the side of the oppressors and on the side of the people fighting for freedom and independence.
After the Second World War, roughly speaking, two camps emerged at the global level: capitalist democracies and communist dictatorships. At their head are the superpowers the United States and the Soviet Union. Together with Great Britain and France, they had just defeated Nazi Germany.
Center of power: Moscow
After the military success, the alliance forged out of necessity to oppose Adolf Hitler fell apart. The Soviets expanded their zone of influence over much of Europe, including the GDR.
At that time, the term "Cold War" was established. This meant the tense relationship between the USA and the USSR and the countries that supported them. The political and ideological trench in Europe stretched right through Germany and Berlin.
Market economy in the West, planned economy in the East
This is where the consequences of the duel, which was fought with armaments and threats, were best seen: while West Germany, with its market economy, quickly materially recovered from the consequences of the war, the planned economy in East Germany led to shortages, from which many citizens fled to the West.
The matter escalated in June 1953. After sporadic protests against the worsening economic situation, frustration spilled over across the GDR. It is estimated that around one million people joined the rebellion, demanding free elections and the unification of Germany. But that cry for freedom died without success.
Soviet tanks ended the dream of freedom
The rulers from Moscow suppressed the rebellion with tanks. Over a hundred people died in street clashes or were sentenced to death. Many were stuck in prison for many years.
Freedom movements in Hungary (1956), Czechoslovakia (1968) and Poland (1980) experienced similar fates. All attempts to break free from the clutches of Moscow failed.
New courage among people in the Eastern Bloc appeared only with the policies of the Moscow reformist Mikhail Gorbachev. In Germany, a peaceful revolution in 1989 led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification a year later.
Putin denies Ukraine's right to exist
The Soviet Union, founded in 1917, also came to an end. Ukraine was among the fifteen independent states that were created at that time.
The country, therefore, which the current Russian ruler denies the right to exist, and that is why he launched an attack on it in February of last year, contrary to international law. Back in 2014, the Ukrainian peninsula of Crimea was annexed, albeit without a shot being fired, but also illegally.
Seven decades ago, the Western democracies under the leadership of the US shied away from supporting the popular uprising in the GDR. The fear of the Third World War, which would be fought with atomic weapons, was too great. Many people are similarly worried today, after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Promises of freedom: NATO and the EU
Again, many countries and NATO have decided to support Ukraine, which is fighting for freedom and independence - militarily, with the delivery of weapons, but also politically, with the perspective of EU membership. Both give the prospect of a better future, but no one can guarantee it.
When in June 1953 the people of East Germany rose up against their government and at the same time against the Soviet occupiers, West Germany remained on moral support. Geopolitically, there were no other options then. The decision-making power was in Washington and Moscow.
Arms deliveries and aid to refugees
The duel between capitalism and communism was based on the so-called balance of terror - both sides knew that both would be completely destroyed in an eventual nuclear conflict, and that's why they didn't even start it. It is a situation of military stalemate in which neither side has a realistic chance of victory.
There are different views on whether it is different today, in the second year of the war in Ukraine. Then again, the Western Community of States did not hesitate for a moment to use weapons to support Ukraine in its liberation struggle against the aggressors, and to organize the reception of refugees.
Admittedly, the assumptions are different than in the era when Europe was politically and economically divided into East and West. Communist dictatorships are a thing of the past. Decades after suppressed rebellions in East Germany and other countries, they were overcome peacefully with the help of freedom-loving people.
Without courage there is no freedom and independence
The uprising of June 1953, despite its failure, has an important place in history as a model for later attempts to become or remain free and independent. Seventy years later, united Germany, with numerous performances and exhibitions, remembers the tragic end of the rebellion, but above all the courage of the people.
Logically, it is good to see Ukraine from there, where the struggle for freedom is going on.
Bonus video:
