1.5 and 1.7 Flashcards
How did the end of WW2 differ from that of WW1?
The Allies carefully orchestrated a takeover of Berlin and took joint control over the German government
Why was it difficult for the Allies to restore democracy in Germany?
There was an ideological divided between them as Russia was now communist, so they couldn’t agree on what democracy was
What was agreed at Potsdam in August 1945?
Germany and Berlin would be divided into 4 zones, each to be run by different Allies
Why were political parties set up in June 1945?
To allow communication across the different zones
What party was first announced in June 1945?
The KPD
What were the KPD’s new policies like?
They stressed that they wanted “German socialism”, land reform, a new education system and a democratic government
How did the SPD’s policies differ from that of the KPD?
The SPD were more radical- they wanted banks, land and key industries to be nationalised and significant social welfare systems
What two significant church-based political parties were set up in 1945?
The CDU and CSU
How did political parties in the FRG avoid having many small parties with similar aims?
All faith-based and liberal parties in the Western zones negotiated with one another to create a single party- liberals formed the FDP and faith- based parties formed the CDU
What was the Cold War?
Tensions between the USA and the USSR due to their differing systems of government
What was the Marshall Plan?
A US initiative that gave economic help to European countries to stop them from turning to the USSR for help and becoming communist
How did the Cold War create conflict in Germany?
Political parties were formed differently in East and West Germany- in East Germany, the KDP and SPD joined to form the SED, the most significant party in the Soviet zone
Why was Germany always likely to be divided?
The Allies wanted Germany to be politically powerless and a buffer zone between the East and West
What was the result of the 1946 election in Berlin?
The communist won in the Soviet zone but did badly in the other zones
What was Basic Law?
It was the FRG’s constitution that outlined a free and liberal democracy by promising equal rights, free speech and state education
