Honecker emerged as an ambitious political player and became the shadowy mastermind behind the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961, a crucial moment in twentieth-century history.Author Nathan Morley brings to life the story of the longtime leader of the German Democratic Republic. Drawing from a wealth of untapped archival sources – and firsthand interviews with Honecker’s lawyers, journalists, and contemporary witnesses – Morley paints a vivid portrait of how an uneducated miner’s son from the Saarland rose to the highest ranks of the German Communist Party.Having survived a decade of brutality in Nazi prisons, and frequently on the verge of being relegated to obscurity, he managed to overthrow strongman Walter Ulbricht at the height of the Cold War and reigned supreme over the GDR between 1971-1989.However, by 1980, the Honecker honeymoon was on the wane as a decade of economic and social difficulties blighted the GDR. Then, as tumultuous changes swept through the Soviet bloc, everything in and around him collapsed in 1989. His health, his certainties, his ideology, his apparatus of power, and his beloved SED party.0:00 Introduction and discussion on the life of Eric Honecker5:42 Overview of Honecker's early life and family background13:49 Honecker's return to Germany and the state of the country19:37 Honecker's post-war life and rise in East German politics28:01 Honecker's struggle with the exodus of East Germany's population34:53 Operation Rose: The division of Berlin44:10 Public perception of Honecker in East Germany46:05 Intensifying economic struggles in East Germany and Poland55:26 Honecker's refusal to follow Gorbachev's reforms and health decline1:01:19 Honecker's extradition and trial in Berlin1:03:17 Honecker's release and final years in Chile1:05:29 Honecker's funeral and tributes received1:06:51 Mention of the book "The Man Who built the Berlin Wall" by Nathan Moreley and podcast extras1:07:22 Acknowledgement of podcast's financial supporters and closing remarks

Buy the book here https://uk.bookshop.org/a/1549/9781399088824The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to keep this podcast on the air. You’ll become part of our community and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history.Just go to https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, We also welcome one-off donations via the same link.Book giveaway entry info here https://coldwarconversations.com/giveaway/Episodes mentioned:History of East Germany https://coldwarconversations.com/episode284/Doping of East German athletes https://coldwarconversations.com/episode264/Polish strikes in 1980 https://coldwarconversations.com/episode152/Extra episode information https://coldwarconversations.com/episode302/

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