Officially known as the German Democratic Republic, East Germany was a state that existed from 1949 to 1990. It was formed from the Soviet zone of occupied Germany after World War II.
Consider East Germany like a team in a sports match that's been assigned by the coach (Soviet Union) and has its own rules and strategies distinct from those of another team (West Germany).
German Democratic Republic: The official name for East Germany, which was under communist rule.
Stasi: The official state security service of East Germany, known for its surveillance and oppression.
Iron Curtain: A term popularized by Winston Churchill referring to the ideological barrier separating Soviet-controlled countries (like East Germany) from Western democracies during the Cold War.
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