Rise and Fall of the Stasi Minister

The Fall of the Berlin Wall: The Rise and Fall of East Germany's Stasi Minister

• Between 1970 and 1980, the number of employees at the East German Ministry of State Security (Stasi) more than doubled to 80,000, leading to a total surveillance regime.
• The Stasi employed citizens to monitor and report on others, leading to the thwarting of over 90% of escape attempts, with extensive monitoring of phone lines and mail.
• Eric Milke, a key figure in the Stasi, was promoted to army general and became indispensable to the regime's power, despite internal power struggles.
• East Germany's signing of the Helsinki Accords in 1975 acknowledged human rights and freedom of movement, but the Stasi handled a growing number of exit requests, employing preventative measures to deter applicants.
• In 1984, a decision to allow hundreds of applicants to relocate backfired, leading to a surge in applications and inspiring thousands to follow suit, causing a crisis for the Stasi.
• Michael Bitner, a 23-year-old from East Berlin, attempted to cross the death strip in 1986 and was shot dead, leading to a cover-up by the Stasi to avoid international condemnation.
• By 1989, the Stasi faced a growing crisis as thousands of East Germans sought relocation, leading to widespread protests and demands for change and freedom to travel.
• The Stasi feared a potential violent confrontation with protesters and even considered opening fire on them, but the situation continued to escalate.
• In October 1989, the East German leadership celebrated 40 years of East Germany, while protesters marched through East Berlin, leading to a growing sense of helplessness and awareness of the crisis.
• Despite fears, the protesters did not march to the Brandenburg Gate, and demands for free elections and freedom to travel continued to grow.
• The mounting crisis and widespread protests ultimately led to the fall of the Berlin Wall and the end of the East German regime.
• The Stasi's efforts to suppress dissent and control movement ultimately failed, leading to the collapse of the East German government and the end of Eric Milke's 31-year tenure as minister.

Stasi Records Archive in Berlin: Erich Mielke's Reign

• Stasi Records Archive in Berlin houses millions of files, reports, photos, and index cards from the former East German Ministry for State Security.

• A red photo album left behind by Erich Mielke, the head of the ministry, documents key moments, including the construction of the Berlin Wall.

• Mielke was relentless in maintaining control over East Germany and the border, starting each day at 7 am to stay informed and coordinate necessary measures.

• Mielke saw the Berlin Wall as essential for maintaining power for the Socialist Unity Party and the Ministry for State Security.

• The Stasi's responsibilities grew with the construction of the Berlin Wall, leading to increased surveillance and expanded intelligence apparatus.

• The Ministry for State Security targeted anyone attempting to flee or suspected of opposition, leading to the arrest of thousands and trials of many.

• Mielke's ministry took total control over officers patrolling the border, intensifying surveillance and inspection of individuals crossing the border.

• The Stasi went to great lengths to thwart escape attempts, including setting traps for tunnel builders and recruiting spies to infiltrate escape groups.

• Mielke's plan to portray escape helpers as murderers led to dwindling public support for them in the West.

• The Stasi took over passport control, leading to increased intelligence gathering at border crossings and the inclusion of millions of people in their filing system.

• The Stasi's responsibilities expanded during the détente period of the Cold War, including efforts to maintain the psychological and physical integrity of the Berlin Wall.

• The Stasi detained and imprisoned individuals accused of immigration or escape offenses, considering crossing the border illegally as a serious offense.Stasi Interrogation and Detention Practices in East Germany

• Defendants were assumed to attempt to penetrate the border and break out of detention

• Prisoners were not informed of their hearing dates and trials were overseen by Stasi members

• Ministry interrogators were well-trained and ruthless, using psychology to draw out confessions

• Defendants were not allowed to see anyone or addressed by their given names, only by cell numbers

• Ministry for State Security (Stasi) remained in charge of handling their enemies

• Light was switched on and off every 20 minutes during the night

• Milke relied on faithful followers, including the head warden and like-minded comrades

• Staff members serving in the ministry did not find their duties burdensome

• Celebrations for the 15-year anniversary of the Berlin Wall took place in August 1976

• Observers studied defendants' facial expressions during trials

• Interrogators asked defendants about everything, even the smallest details, to learn about their intellect and address them accordingly

• The desk in the back was meant for the defendant to face the light, allowing observers to study their facial expressions.