When did the Stasi begin its existence and who was the first Minister of State Security?
The Ministry for State Security began its existence on the 8th of February 1950. Wilhelm Zaisser served as the first Minister of State Security in East Germany.
Questions about Stasi
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How many unofficial informants were identified within East Germany by 1995?
By 1995, some 174,000 inoffizielle Mitarbeiter had been identified representing almost 2.5% of the population between ages 18 and 60. Ten thousand of these informants were under 18 years old.
What psychological harassment technique did the Stasi perfect to dismantle perceived enemies?
The Stasi perfected the technique of psychological harassment known as Zersetzung which literally means decomposition. This approach allowed the state to avoid international criticism while dismantling perceived enemies through subtle manipulation of private family life.
Who led the Office of Reconnaissance and what major case involved Günter Guillaume?
Markus Wolf led this foreign intelligence section from 1952 to 1986. The most influential case involving Günter Guillaume led to the downfall of Willy Brandt in May 1974.
When was the Stasi dissolved and who directed its dissolution?
The Council of Ministers renamed the Stasi the Office for National Security on the 17th of November 1989. Hans Modrow directed the dissolution of this office on the 8th of December 1989.