Scarcity and Resentment: Economic Sources of Xenophobia in the GDR, 1971-1989.

In this article the author examines the personal resentment that resulted from cross-border travel by Poles and East Germans during the period 1971-1989. It is explained that in January 1972 the German Democratic Republic and Poland eased travel restrictions on their citizens as a means of deepening relations between the two countries. While significant number of Poles traveled to Germany there was a rise in personal tensions and xenophobia as Poles were perceived to be buying up East German food, clothing and consumer goods.