1.4 Conflict over Germany

Question 1

Describe features of the Soviet sector of Germany

Answer 1

• KPD (communists) didn’t emerge dominant as Stalin had hoped, Merged with SPD to form unpopular Unity Party.
• Perceived as repressive by Western zones
• Implemented communist style policies like land reform and nationalisation of major industries.

Question 2

Describe features of the British sector of Germany

Answer 2

• included major port of Hamburg, the Ruhr and 22.5 million people
• Dependent on US to feed population
• Formed Bizonia with US in January 1947.

Question 3

Describe features of the US sector of Germany

Answer 3

Allowed free elections, wanted feudalism (central government with state governments) implemented in future.

Question 4

Describe features of the French sector of Germany

Answer 4

called for complete dismemberment of Germany and internationalisation of the Ruhr until 1947. Wanted security against Germany

Question 5

Who was General Lucius Clay?

Answer 5

US zone military governor

Question 6

What did Clay announce in May 1946?

Answer 6

Announced no further reparations to be paid until there was an overall plan for Germany’s recovery - Soviets saw as strategy to create a capitalist system

Question 7

What were the causes of the Berlin Blockade?

Answer 7

• May 1946 Clay announced no further reparations paid without overall plan for Germany’s recovery - Soviets saw as strategy to create a capitalist system
• March 1948 Marshall Plan extended to Germany
• June 1948 creation of Trizonia and agreed West Germany should have a formal constitution - political unity
• June 1948 introduced new currency to Western zones - Deutch Mark. Allowed Western Germany to become more economically powerful then Eastern - all Stalin’s fears realised

Question 8

Describe the Berlin Blockade

Answer 8

• June 1948 Soviets blockaded all land and water routes into West Berlin and cut off electricity.
• West Berlin had enough food for 36 days and enough coal for 45.
• Operation Vittles/Berlin Airlift ordered by West (mainly US) immediately. Lasted 15 months until May 1949.

Question 9

Describe the formation of East and West Germany

Answer 9

• August 1949 three western zones united into the Federal Republic of Germany (FDR). Capitalist.
• October 1949 Soviet Zone became German Democratic Republic (GDR). Communist.

Question 10

What happened as a result of the Berlin Blockade?

Answer 10

• Formation of East and West Germany - Aug and Oct 1949
• NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organisation) - Aug 1949

Question 11

Describe the formation of NATO

Answer 11

• Berlin Blockade illustrated need for a more coordinated western approach against Soviet aggression.
• Guiding principal: an attack on one NATO country would be an attack on all - defensive
• US clearly not returning to isolationist policy
• Seen as provocative by Stalin