The final blow for political reform in the East came on June 17, 1953, when the East German government turned to the Soviet armed forces to crush a popular uprising. Bertolt Brecht, the great German dramatist and poet, memorialized the moment when it became clear that a new day would not be dawning after all: After the uprising of the 17th of June The Secretary of the Writers Union Had leaflets distributed in the Stalinallee Stating that the people Had forfeited the confidence of the government And could win it back only By redoubled efforts. Would it not be easier In that case for the
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