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IMAGO History, 75 years of the Basic Law, cornerstones of German history, GDR uprising in 1953

May 23, 2024

The following photos have been selected for you by the IMAGO picture desk on this topic. For more pictures please use the search function.

  • Deutschland Litauen Polen 19. Juni 1953 - Unruhen und Demonstrationen in Ost-Berlin... Ein Panzer taucht auf... Keystone-Fotos zeigen: - Ein sowjetischer Panzer taucht auf, und die Demonstranten drehen sich um und rennen während der Unruhen von 100.000 Arbeitern in Ost-Berlin davon. Die Behörden verhängten das Kriegsrecht, und sowjetische Panzer und Truppen patrouillierten durch die Stadt. *** Germany Lithuania Poland 19 June 1953 Riots and Demonstrations in East Berlin a Tanks dives at Keystone Photos show a Soviet Tanks dives on, and the Demonstrators Turning itself at and Race during the Riots from 100 000 Workers in East Berlin thereof the Authorities imposed the Martial law, and Soviet Tanks and Troops patrolled through t Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19530619_baf_k09_001
  • Demonstrationen 18. Juni 1953 - HO-Gebäude von streikenden Arbeitern besetzt: In einer gestern Abend ausgestrahlten Sendung berichtete der sowjetisch kontrollierte Ost-Berliner Rundfunksender, dass imperialistische Gangster und ihre Ost-Berliner Anhänger das HO-Gebäude, eines der wenigen großen sowjetisch kontrollierten Einkaufszentren, praktisch zerstört haben. Die Menge stürmte das Gebäude, drang mit Rechnungen und Papieren durch die Fenster auf den Bürgersteig und auf die Straße ein, während wütende Jugendliche den Rest der HO-Bürokratie verbrannten. Nachdem das Gebäude niedergebrannt war. Das Foto zeigt, dass Papiere durch die Fenster des HO-Einkaufszentrums in Berlin geworfen werden. *** Demonstrations 18 June Copyright: xUnitedxArchivesx xkpaxKeystonex 19530618_baf_k09_001
  • Orig. caption... RUSSIANS DECLARE MARTIAL LAW IN EAST ZONE BERLIN. 17.6.53. PHOTO SHOWS. East Berliners trample Russian signs underfoot during the rioting in the East Zone of Berlin this afternoon. The Russians declared martial law after 100,000 Germans rioted, tearing down the Red Flag, and parading the streets shouting We want to be free. Note The popular uprising in East Germany on June 17, 1953 started as a protest against a government decision to increase working hours. See also BAJ668 and BAJ680-BAJ681 Image series Photo report Riots Cyrillic text Riots Political opposition Signs State of emergency CD614 sites: EAST GERMANY; EAST BERLIN sp_sw x5600x *** Orig caption RUSSIANS DECLARE MARTIAL LAW IN EAST ZONE BERLIN 17 6 53 PHOTO SHOW Copyright: xx Uprising in East Berlin
  • Orig. caption... RUSSIANS DECLARE MARTIAL LAW AS EAST BERLIN S RIOT. 17.6.53. PHOTO SHOWS. East Berliners tear up a Red Flag torn down from the Brandenburg Gate this afternoon. The Russians declared martial law after 100,000 Berliners had rioted, and paraded through the streets shouting We want to be free. Note The popular uprising in East Germany on June 17, 1953 started as a protest against a government decision to increase working hours. See also BAJ668, BAJ679 and BAJ681 Image series Photo report Riots Unrest Political opposition Tearing up State of emergency CD614 sites: EAST BERLIN; EAST GERMANY sp_sw x5600x *** Orig caption RUSSIANS DECLARE MARTIAL LAW AS EAST BERLIN S RIOT 17 6 53 PHOTO SHOWS East Berliners tear up a Red Flag torn Copyright: xx Uprising in East Berlin
  • Without caption. Note Riots in East Berlin Unrest sites: EAST BERLIN ; EAST GERMANY sp_sw x5600x *** Without caption Note Riots in East Berlin Unrest sites EAST BERLIN EAST GERMANY sp sw x5600x Copyright: xXxXxXx 1953 EAST BERLIN Uprising
  • Orig. caption... PICTURE BY TELEPHOTO. MARTIAL LAW IN EAST BERLIN 17.6.53 Photo shows: East German police throw their uniforms out of the window of a state-owned department store in the East Berlin Zone this afternoon. The Russians declared martial law as 100,000 Germans rioted, tearing down the red flag and shouting We want to be Free. The police were besieged in the store and threw out their uniforms as a sign of surrender. Note Unrest Spectators CD604 sites: EAST GERMANY; EAST BERLIN sp_sw x5600x *** Orig caption PICTURE BY TELEPHOTO MARTIAL LAW IN EAST BERLIN 17 6 53 Photo shows East German police throw their uniforms out of the window of a state owned department store in the East Berlin Zone this afternoon The Russians declared marti Copyright: xx 1953 EAST BERLIN Uprising
  • Orig. caption... RIOTS IN EAST BERLIN Germans in East Berlin yesterday started strikes and demonstrations against the Soviet authorities. Thousands of workers have been marching through the streets shouting slogans, while the police have mostly stood looking on. Clashes have occurred with members of the Communist party. Photo shows: Demonstrators march down Stalin Allee one of the places where the riots started when workers on a government block of luxury flats went on strike yesterday. sites: EAST BERLIN; EAST GERMANY sp_sw x5600x *** Orig caption RIOTS IN EAST BERLIN Germans in East Berlin yesterday started strikes and demonstrations against the Soviet authorities Thousands of workers have been marching through the streets shouting slog Copyright: xXxXxXx 1953 EAST BERLIN Uprising
  • Orig. caption... RUSSIANS DECLARE MARTIAL LAW IN BERLIN S EAST ZONE. 17.6.53. PHOTO SHOWS. Russian tanks patrol the streets of the East Zone of Berlin, watched by a crowd of East Berliners, after the Russians had declared martial law in East Berlin after 100,000 Germans had rioted, tearing down the Red Flag and paraded through the streets shouting We Want to ask Free. Orig. caption... AFTER THE REVOLT IN EAST BERLIN. Russian tanks patrol the streets after the uprising was quelled. Note The popular uprising in East Germany on June 17, 1953 started as a protest against a government decision to increase working hours. See also BAJ668 and BAJ679-BAJ680 Image series Photo report Riots Unrest Political opposition State of emergency CD614 sites: E Copyright: xx Uprising in East Berlin
  • Orig. caption... MARTIAL LAW DECLARED AS EAST BERLIN S RIOT. Photo shows: A crowd of demonstrators watching a burning streetcar in the East Zone of Berlin today. The Russians declared martial law in the East Zone this afternoon after 100,000 Germans had rioted, tearing down the Red Flag and shouting We want to be free. sites: EAST BERLIN; EAST GERMANY sp_sw x5600x *** Orig caption MARTIAL LAW DECLARED AS EAST BERLIN S RIOT Photo shows A crowd of demonstrators watching a burning streetcar in the East Zone of Berlin today The Russians declared martial law in the East Zone this afternoon after 100,000 Germans had rioted, tearing down the Red Flag and shouting We want to be free sites EAST BERLIN EAST GERMANY sp sw x5600x Copyright: xXxXxXx 1953 EAST BERLIN Uprising
  • ÖSTBERLIN 19530617. Östberlinare demonstrerar framför Brandenburger Tor. ÖSTBERLIN ÖSTTYSKLAND x190x *** EAST BERLIN 19530617 East Berliners demonstrate in front of the Brandenburg Gate EAST BERLIN EASTERN GERMANY x190x Copyright: xPrB xTTx x Östtysk demonstration
  • SEKLET-KRIG OCH KONFLIKTER-50 Berlin 19530717. Östtysk folkpolis med bajonetter pa stoppar en folkmassa pa Leipzigerstrasse. Manga civila dödades när man slog ned upproret som började med strejker. Manga personer avrättades efterat. Foto UPI Code 450 COPYRIGHT SCANPIX SWEDEN STOCKHOLM SVERIGE Östtyskland 1945 - 1990 x450x *** SECRET WAR AND CONFLICT 50 Berlin 19530717 East German Peoples Police with bayonets on stop a crowd on Leipzigerstrasse Many civilians were killed when they put down the uprising that began with strikes Many people were executed afterwards Photo UPI Code 450 COPYRIGHT SCANPIX SWEDEN STOCKHOLM SWEDEN East Germany 1945 1990 x450x Copyright: xUPIx FOLKPOLIS MOT FOLKET
  • East Berlin: Soviet police and tanks East Berlin: Soviet police and tanks June 17, 1953 The German Democratic Republic Washington. National archives Copyright: xPhoto12 ArchivesxSnarkx DFS09A06_214
  • East Berlin: people throwing stones against Soviet tanks East Berlin: people throwing stones against Soviet tanks June 17, 1953 The German Democratic Republic (GDR) Washington. National archives Copyright: xPhoto12 ArchivesxSnarkx DFS09A06_212
  • The Uprising of 1953 in East Germany The Uprising of 1953 in East Germany was violently suppressed by tanks of the Group of Soviet Forces Copyright: xPhoto12 AnnxRonanxPicturexLibraryx ARP18A10490
  • The Uprising of 1953 in East Germany was violently suppressed by tanks of the Group of Soviet Forces WHA !ACHTUNG AUFNAHMEDATUM GESCHÄTZT! Copyright: WHA UnitedArchivesWHA_047_0209
  • 1953 - Demonstrations and riots in East - Berlin - Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against Civilian population: Heavy demonstrations and street -fights occurred in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood - Regime. Trusting that the Soviet high Commissioner, Semjono~, would immediately remove the Ulbricht - Grotsewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty, freedom of speech and De-activation of the People s Police . To the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commander ordered a tank - brigade into the threatened area, in order to maintain public security and to protect the life (Illegible) . Radio-photo released from our Berlin-office today shows. (Foreground ), A chain of People s Police seen blocking the way to a red palace, in East Berlin, while People -police s scout cars are waiting in backgrou - ZUMAk09_
  • 1953 - Demonstrations and riots in East - Berlin - Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against Civilian population: Heavy demonstrations and street -fights occurred in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood - Regime. Trusting that the Soviet high Commissioner, Semjono~, would immediately remove the Ulbricht - Grotsewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty, freedom of speech and De-activation of the People s Police . To the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commander ordered a tank - brigade into the threatened area, in order to maintain public security and to protect the life of Soviet citizens. Soviet tanks in the Streets of Berlin. Discouraged liberty - Seeking youngsters are seen waiting at a Berlin crossroad, while Soviet tanks (See background) are waiting for immediate action - ZUMAk09_
  • 1953 - Demonstrations and riots in East Berlin. Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against civilian population.: Heavy demonstration and street-sights occured in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood-Regime. Trusting that the Soviet High Commissioner, Semjonow, would immediately remove the Ulbricht Grotewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty, freedom of speech and de-activation of the People s Police . To the surprise of many demonstrators. The Russiantown commander ordered a tank-brigade into the treatened area, in order to maintain public security and to protect the life of Soviet citizens. Photo shows Soviet tankmen and members of the East German People s Police seen guarding one of the many streets in the East sector. In foreground (Extreme right) One policeman who points his M.P. to the photographer while lo - ZUMAk09_
  • 1953 - Demonstrations and Riots in East Berlin.- Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against civilian population: Heavy demonstrations and street-fights occured in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood -Regims.Trusting that the Soviet High Commissioner, Semjonov, would immediately remove the Ulbricht Grotewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty,freedom of speech and de-activation of the People s Police .To the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commender ordered a tank-brigade into the treatened area,in order to maintain public security and Streets fight and riots in East Berlin.This picture was taken in Berlin on Wednesday, 1~ June 1953, and arrived in Munich today.It shows German civilians watching streetfights, standing on top of rubble mountains, somewhere in the Eastern sector of the city. - ZUMAk09_
  • 1953 - Demonstrations and Riots in East Berlin.- Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against civilian population: Heavy demonstrations and street-fights occured in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood -Regims.Trusting that the Soviet High Commissioner, Semjonov, would immediately remove the Ulbricht Grotewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty,freedom of speech and de-activation of the People s Police .To the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commener ordered a tank-brigade into the As soon as Semjonov removes the East German hangmen, we ll remove ash and rubble roared the crowd who is seen here watching the fights, standing on top of ruins in East Berlin. - ZUMAk09_
  • Jun. 19, 1953 - Riots and Demonstrations in East Berlin. Columbus house burns. Photo shows The scene in East Berlin as the Columbus House, in the Potsdammer Platz burns - during the demonstrations by 100,000 East Berlin workers. The Soviet Authorities decided mortal low and brought troops and tanks into the city. - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 19, 1953 - Riots and Demonstrations in East Berlin. Rubble Strewn Streets. Photo shows looking down on a rubble strewn street - as troops mingle with the crowds on the (eligible) during the riot of 100,000 warlord in the streets of East Berlin. The Soviet Authorities declared Martisl Law - and brought tanks into the city. - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 18, 1953 - Demonstrations and riots in East - Berlin - Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against Civilian population: Heavy demonstrations and street -fights occurred in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood - Regime. Trusting that the Soviet high Commissioner, Semjono~, would immediately remove the Ulbricht - Grotsewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty, freedom of speech and De-activation of the People s Police . To the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commander ordered a tank - brigade into the threatened area, in order to maintain public security and to protect the life of Soviet citizens. - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 17, 1953 - Soviet Tanks Firing at East Berlin Demonstrator - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 17, 1953 - Demonstrations and Riots in East Berlin.- Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against civilian population: Heavy demonstrations and street-fights occured in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood -Regims.Trsuting that the Soviet High Commissioner, Semjonov, would immediately remove the Ulbricht Grotewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty,freedom of speech and de-activation of the People s Police .To the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commender ordered a tank-brigade into the (Illigible) order to (Illigible) . A view of the HO-building, the government-owned shopping center, in East Berlin, after the sabotage -act.The upper part of the building is completely burned-out, many goods were destroyed.The crowd loiters around the building in a moment where Russian tanks are not pr - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 17, 1953 - Demonstrations and riots in East - Berlin - Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against Civilian population: Heavy demonstrations and street -fights occurred in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood - Regime. Trusting that the Soviet high Commissioner, Semjono~, would immediately remove the Ulbricht - Grotsewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty, freedom of speech and De-activation of the People s Police . To the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commander ordered a tank - brigade into the threatened area, (Illegible) . Russian T-34 tanks seen blocking one of the may streets right in the very center of the East Berlin sector. Civilians stop and wait until the monsters have passed by, in order to cross the street, to escape into another area. - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 06, 1953 - Demonstrations and riots in East Berlin - Soviet Occupation Troops go into action against civilian population.: Heavy demonstrations and street-fights occurred in Berlin when laborers residing in East Berlin revolted against the East German Blood Regime. Trusting that Soviet High Commisioner, Semjonov, would immediately remove the Ulbricht-Grotewohl government, the laborers rose-up and demanded liberty freedom of speech and deactivation of the People s Police . TO the surprise of many demonstrators, the Russian town commander ordered a tank-brigade into the threatened are, in order to maintain public security and to protect the life of Soviet citizens. - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 25, 1953 - Berlin bury their riot victims ? Half a million people crowded into the streets of Berlin?s western sector to mourn seven Western Berliners killed during the anti-Communist riots. Keystone Photo Shows: Coffins of the riot victims seen outside the Town Hall in West Berlin, during the funeral orations. H Keystone - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 19, 1953 - Riots And Demonstrations In East Berlin.. Workers In The Streets. Keystone Photo Shows:- Workers seen in the streets during the Riots and Demonstrations by 100,000 workers in East Berlin.. The Soviet Authorities declared Martial Law - and brought tanks into the city. - ZUMAk09
  • Jun. 17, 1953 - East Berlin workers are pictured here burning a flag of the communist colors at Brandenburg Gate. - ZUMAk09
  • Baubrigade von Karl Weider auf einer Baustelle in der Stalinallee im Rahmen der Aufstände des 17. Juni in Ost-Berlin
  • Karl Weider (li.) mit Arbeitskollegen auf einer Baustelle in der Stalinallee im Rahmen der Aufstände des 17. Juni in Ost-Berlin