Welcome to the Ministry of History Podcast (formerly The History Buff), where we bring history to life through immersive storytelling and deep dives into fascinating historical topics. Hosted by Artie, the Minister of History and a Berlin-based historian and tour guide, the podcast unravels the complexities, drama, and humanity of history—from pivotal moments to hidden forgotten stories. Whether you're a casual listener or a history buff, join us to explore the events, people, and cultures that shaped our world.
There are two formats of episodes:
The Ministry of History offers much more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Welcome to the Ministry of History Podcast (formerly The History Buff), where we bring history to life through immersive storytelling and deep dives into fascinating historical topics. Hosted by Artie, the Minister of History and a Berlin-based historian and tour guide, the podcast unravels the complexities, drama, and humanity of history—from pivotal moments to hidden forgotten stories. Whether you're a casual listener or a history buff, join us to explore the events, people, and cultures that shaped our world.
There are two formats of episodes:
The Ministry of History offers much more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
In this third episode of the East Germany series, Artie is joined by Deputy Minister and fellow Berlin tour guide Tina to discuss East Germany’s first major crisis.
By the early 1950s, West Germany was booming thanks to American subsidies, while the GDR remained in ruins, burdened by Soviet reparation payments. Living standards had declined, fuelling unrest. When the government ordered a 10% productivity increase without extra pay, anger boiled over. On 16 June 1953, workers in East Berlin went on strike. By the next day, protests had spread nationwide, turning into a full-scale uprising. Crowds stormed government buildings, tore down propaganda, and overpowered security forces. The SED was on the brink of collapse—until Soviet tanks rolled in.
The uprising was brutally crushed, killing 55 people, with more subsequently executed after show trials. In response, the GDR expanded Stasi surveillance, cementing its status as one of history’s most oppressive police states.
The Ministry of History offers more than just podcast episodes! Check out our blog for engaging historical insights, access transcripts of episodes, subscribe to our newsletter for updates and early access to posts, and explore our digital content. Planning a trip to Berlin? You can even book a history tour with Artie himself! To find all this, simply head to our website. You can also follow us on Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Artwork by Leila Mead. Check out her website and follow her on Instagram.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.