The day October 7, 2024 marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the German Democratic Republic (GDR). For many, the GDR remains a symbol of the attempt to realize socialism on German soil, an alternative to capitalist exploitation and imperialist rule. Although the GDR no longer exists today, its ideals and legacy remain relevant to the working class worldwide. 

　　In 1949, after the devastating destruction of World War II, the GDR rose from the ruins of fascist Germany. The circumstances of that time offered a historic opportunity: the liberation by the Red Army, the victory of the anti-fascist forces and the complete smashing of German imperialism cleared the way for radical social change. The establishment of the first workers' and peasants' state in Germany became a hope for millions of people who dreamed of a life without exploitation. 

　　The GDR emerged as an alternative to the West German Federal Republic, which quickly became a bulwark of capitalism and Western imperialism during the Cold War. While corporations such as Krupp and Siemens regained power and influence in the FRG, the GDR relied on the nationalization of the means of production and the creation of a socialist planned economy. Education, health and work were guaranteed for all – achievements that exist only in fragmentary form in today's capitalist Germany. 

　　Socialism in the GDR was exposed to crushing hostility from outside from the very beginning. The Cold War divided not only Germany but also the world into two blocs, and the GDR found itself at the forefront of the struggle between socialism and capitalism. The Western powers did everything they could to destabilize the GDR – economic sanctions, ideological warfare and, last but not least, support for opposition forces that were supposed to bring back the capitalist status quo. 

　　The counterrevolution in the GDR in 1989/90 was not the end of the struggle for a socialist social order. On the contrary, the decades since “eunification” have impressively shown that capitalism cannot solve the problems of exploitation, poverty and war. In the united Germany of 2024, deep social inequalities, a housing crisis, precarious working conditions and policies that act in the interests of the rich and powerful will once again prevail. 

　　The first attempt at socialism on German soil is no more. But this is not the end of the story. Rather, we must learn from history, analyze mistakes and draw the right conclusions, so that capitalism can one day be overcome not only temporarily, but permanently. 

　　In a time of global crisis, it is becoming clear that the capitalist world order is at an end. The GDR may have failed, but its dream of a society without exploitation, without hunger, without war remains as relevant as ever. 

　　History shows us that the road to socialism is not an easy one. But it also shows that it is possible to build an alternative form of society based on solidarity, justice and equality. It is up to us to continue this fight. 

　　Editor: Zhong Yao  LiuTingting 

　　From:https://zeitungderarbeit.at/ressort/kommentar/75-jahre-deutsche-demokratische-republik-der-traum-vom-sozialismus-ist-nicht-ausgetraeumt/（2024-10-6）