The German Democratic Republic (GDR) was always a house divided against itself. In the politics of memory the East German people for the most part saw themselves as perpetual victims. A superficial glance revealed some striking parallels in the foreign relations of the Federal Republic and the GDR during the decade of the 1950s. Both countries wanted to establish their international viability, which required recognition from their sponsoring superpower and its allies. The Socialist Unity Party (SED) enhanced role in East German society became apparent as well in the reallocation of Volkskammer seats. In 1963 the composition of the GDR's legislature was changed to give the Communists an even greater majority among the delegates. The attainment of "socialism" and with it the regime's ability to stay in power ultimately depended on the performance of the GDR's economy.