Walter Ulbricht. The Communist Dictator (1945–1973)

Walter Ulbricht shaped German and European history in the 20th century like few others. The first volume of Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk’s monumental biography received widespread public attention. Now, in the second volume, Kowalczuk shows how German communism turned Ulbricht into a communist dictator.

When Ulbricht returned to Germany from Soviet exile in 1945, he was already Moscow’s most important political instrument among German communists. Following Stalin’s directives, he orchestrated the forced unification of the KPD and SPD into the SED and founded the GDR. He crushed the popular uprising of June 17, 1953, and ordered the construction of the Berlin Wall, with which his name would be forever linked.

Ilko-Sascha Kowalczuk thoroughly explores this exemplary life during the Cold War like no one before. His remarkable study is expected to remain a standard reference on the history of the GDR, German communism, and the 20th century for years to come.

Kowalczuk is a historian, publicist, and scientific advisor to the board of the Berlin DDR Museum. He is one of Germany’s leading experts on the history of the GDR and communism. In June 2025, he will receive the Karl Wilhelm Fricke Award.

Free admission / barrier-free access to the event room

Gedenkstätte Berlin-Hohenschönhausen 
Genslerstraße 66
13055 Berlin