Walter Ulbricht

Profession: East German Leader

Biography: Walter Ulbricht is best known for his leadership of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) from 1950 to 1971 and his involvement in the construction of the Berlin Wall.

Ulbricht was born in Leipzig in 1893 and joined the Social Democratic Party in 1912. He served in World War I but deserted in 1918 due to his opposition to the war. Ulbricht then joined the Communist Party of Germany (KPD) in 1920 and rose through its ranks, becoming a member of the Central Committee in 1923.

During the Nazi era, Ulbricht fled Germany and lived in exile in Paris, Prague, and the Soviet Union. He returned to Germany in 1945 and helped establish the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) in 1946. Ulbricht became the First Secretary of the SED in 1950, effectively making him the leader of East Germany.

As leader of the GDR, Ulbricht oversaw the suppression of the 1953 East German uprising and the country's entry into the Warsaw Pact in 1955. He also implemented policies that led to the nationalization of industry and collectivization of agriculture. In 1961, Ulbricht pressured Soviet Premier Nikita Khrushchev to approve the construction of the Berlin Wall, which became a symbol of the Cold War divide between East and West.

Ulbricht introduced the New Economic System in 1963, which aimed to improve the economy but ultimately failed. He was subsequently forced to retire in 1971 due to "health reasons" and was replaced by Erich Honecker.

Born: June 30, 1893
Birthplace: Leipzig, Saxony, Germany

Generation: Lost Generation
Star Sign: Cancer

Died: August 1, 1973 (aged 80)
Cause of Death: Stroke