East German revolt

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Rebellion by the workers against the communist policies of the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) 16–19 June 1953. It was sparked by food shortages in spring 1953 and a subsequent 10% increase in the work norms, the amount of production required from each worker. A strike that broke out on 16 June spread to most of East Germany's industries, and quickly spiralled into demands for democracy. The USSR, which had previously ordered the East German government to compromise with the workers, sent in the Red Army to restore order. The revolt led to repressive measures and the continued presence of Red Army forces in East Germany until the collapse of the communist regime in 1989.

Red recalls the struggle for independence. Blue stands for the Indian Ocean. Yellow expresses hope for a bright future. Green represents agriculture and vegetation. Effective date: 12 March 1968. >>