7. germany- impact of defeat and occupation of germany 1945-1955 Flashcards
When did Germany surrender in World War II?
Germany surrendered in May 1945.
What significant event occurred on 30 April 1945?
Hitler killed himself.
When did Germany sign a full surrender?
Germany signed a full surrender on 7 May 1945.
Who were the first to occupy Berlin after the German surrender?
The Soviets were the first to occupy Berlin.
What was decided at the Potsdam Conference in July 1945?
It was decided that Germany would be divided into two states and denazified, demilitarised, and democratised.
Which countries occupied Berlin after its division?
Berlin was split among the USA, Britain, France, and the USSR.
What did denazification involve?
Denazification included banning the Nazi Party, arresting threats to Allied control, introducing a new education system, and punishing Nazi criminals at the Nuremberg Trials.
Did the Soviets and Allies have the same approach to denazification?
No, the Soviets and the Allies had different approaches to denazification.
What was the Soviet approach to denazification?
The Soviets wanted to stamp out Nazism, destroying all evidence of it. Nazi officials were sent to camps, one-third of German teachers were removed, and around 30,000 Germans were convicted for involvement with the Nazis.
What was the Western Allies’ approach to denazification?
Leading Nazis were arrested, Germans over eighteen had to reveal their political beliefs and past jobs, and the German Review Board investigated around 3.5 million cases, resulting in about 4,000 guilty findings and just under 500 executions.
What did the Allies want to achieve with denazification?
The Allies aimed to re-educate Germans to understand the horror of Nazi atrocities.
What were the differing ideas about Germany’s future between the Allies?
The Western Allies wanted to rebuild Germany to prevent extremism and develop trade links, while the Soviets wanted reparations and believed Germany should be divided.
What was Marshall Aid?
Introduced by the Americans in 1947, Marshall Aid was financial assistance to help war-affected countries recover. The Soviets refused it in their zone.
What was the consequence of the prosperity in the Western zones?
The prosperity led to Soviet fear, resulting in the Berlin Blockade in 1948 to cut off supply routes into West Berlin.
What was the outcome of the Berlin Blockade?
The Berlin Blockade failed and led to deeper resentment between the Soviets and the Western Allies.
What were Trümmerfrauen?
Trümmerfrauen, or ‘rubble women,’ were women who cleared bombed buildings in preparation for Germany’s rebuilding.
How many German speakers became refugees after the war?
It was estimated that 12-14 million German speakers in Eastern Europe became refugees and returned to Germany, where they were not welcome.
What were the two separate states formed in Germany between 1949 and 1955?
The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).
What type of government did West Germany have?
Democracy.
What was the Basic Law in West Germany?
It stated that the president had power, but parties had to gain five percent of the vote to send representatives to Parliament.
Who was the chancellor of West Germany from 1949 to 1963?
Konrad Adenauer.
What significant community did West Germany form with France in 1950?
The European Coal and Steel Community.
When did West Germany join NATO?
In 1954.
How much did wages increase in West Germany between 1949 and 1955?
Wages increased by more than 80 percent.
What was the ‘economic miracle’ in West Germany?
The economy grew by eight percent each year between 1949 and 1954.
What was the unemployment rate in West Germany by 1955?
Unemployment had fallen to four percent.
What type of government did East Germany have?
Communist dictatorship.
What was the Stasi in East Germany?
The secret police set up in 1950 to keep watch on potential enemies.
Who was the leader of East Germany in 1949?
Walter Ulbricht.
What was the dominant political party in East Germany?
The SED (German Communist Party).
What were the living standards like in East Germany?
Lower living standards with rationing introduced.
What happened to skilled workers in East Germany?
There was emigration of skilled people to West Germany due to industrial unrest.
What educational policy did Ulbricht implement in East Germany?
Free education, as he abolished private schools.
What was the economic situation in East Germany compared to West Germany?
Unlike in West Germany, there was no economic miracle.
