This chapter presents a condensed history of the political and institutional aspects of East German transformation. Four characteristics make the East German transition path unique in comparison with other cases of post-socialist transitions. First, by push from the West and pull from the former GDR, Germany was quickly united with the Federal Republic of Germany and, with many consequences, by accession rather than merger. Second, by pressure of time and conscious political intent, almost all West German institutions were introduced into or, as many Easterners saw it, imposed on, the former GDR. Third, East Germany was the first socialist country to be exposed to the shock therapy of a very rapid and extensive process of privatization. Fourth, the introduction of private ownership and free markets was complemented by the massive transfer of financial supports from West to the East in the form of direct subsidies and shared social-insurance funds.