Between occupation regime and struggle for survival: The economical and social situation in Dresden 1945

摘要

When talking about the rebirth of Dresden today, one should not forget to mention the living conditions and the economic situation of the city after its destruction. At the time, life was very slow to return to some semblance of normality. The contribution of the people in clearing away the rubble and starting reconstruction, including the valuable historic buildings of Dresden, performed under conditions of deprivation and suffering of personal tragedies, should be duly recognized. This paper outlines the first steps taken after the zero hour and describes the situation of the inhabitants of Dresden. An attempt is made to describe the economic situation and the initial process of the political reorganisation of society. The portrayals, based on recent scientific studies, should provide the background picture to the following development of the city and the reconstruction of its historic buildings and monuments.