Walter Ulbricht
Walter Ulbricht had a 62-year career as a German Democratic Republic Politician before passing in 1973.
German communist politician and dictator (1893–1973)
"Ulbricht's most defining career moment was undoubtedly his decision to erect the Berlin Wall in August 1961." — About Walter Ulbricht
| Metric | Walter Ulbricht | Avg Politician | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | 80 | 70 | +10 yrs |
| Career length | 62 yrs | ~35 yrs | +27 yrs |
| Based on 39 Politician profiles in our database | |||
See also
Facts about Walter Ulbricht
Did you know that Walter Ulbricht, the man who famously denied any intention of building a wall, directly oversaw the construction of the Berlin Wall just weeks later?
- Ulbricht famously declared, "No one has the intention of building a wall!" just two months before the Berlin Wall went up.
- He began his professional life as a cabinet maker, following in his father's footsteps, before becoming a full-time politician.
- During WWII, Ulbricht spent time in Moscow, participating in propaganda broadcasts to German soldiers.
- He was instrumental in implementing the "Ulbricht Doctrine," which asserted the sovereignty of the GDR and its allies.
- His distinctive goatee became a recognizable feature, often caricatured in Western media.
Ulbricht's most defining career moment was undoubtedly his decision to erect the Berlin Wall in August 1961. This act cemented the division of Germany and became the most potent symbol of the Cold War, solidifying his absolute control over the German Democratic Republic.
Ulbricht's legacy is inextricably linked with the Berlin Wall and the rigid, authoritarian Stalinist era of the German Democratic Republic. He is remembered as the architect of the GDR's socialist state and a symbol of its oppressive regime.