This is What Life was Like in Communist East Germany

30. East Germans loved Native American culture

Native American culture had long been popular in Germany. German culture in the 18^th and 19^th centuries saw Native Americans as brave, plucky warriors whose fight for freedom mirrored their own. Historical re-enactors began portraying Native Americans in the 20^th century, and the GDR wanted to capitalize on this enthusiasm. Conveniently, Karl Marx used Native Americans as an example of a society without private property in his foundational socialist writings. The SED closely monitored re-enactment societies to make sure they portrayed the Native American culture according to Marx’s interpretation. They also ensured the re-enactors portrayed white settlers as invading capitalists.