***Adenauer - Political Stability or not? Flashcards
What were the main problems Adenauer was facing in 1949?
- Political: Disconnect between FRG and GDR
- Economic: Recession
- Social: Infrastructure destroyed by the war
What was Adenauer’s view on the German question?
He believed that reunification had to be on the terms of ensuring a Western capital-orientated state - he did not want to make concessions to communism. He believed in the magnet theory; with Western support, West Germany could attract East Germans.
What was Adenauer’s stance towards Western Integration?
He mistrusted and feared the Soviet’s and wanted protection from the West. He wanted to revise the restrictions of the Occupational Statute and become a strong economic partner of the West.
What was Adenauer’s social policy?
He wanted the poor and refugees to be helped by social legislation, industrial peace and a growth in living standards in the hopes that this would counter the threat of communism.
What was Adenauer’s economic policy?
He wanted to create economic stability by using a social market policy. This aimed to create a free market with limited social regulations by the state - the economic miracle.
What kind of ministers did Adenauer appoint?
Weak ministers who he treated as mere advisers - criticised for this.
What was Adenauer’s leadership known as?
A chancellor democracy, suggesting that he had more power than the Basic Law allowed.
In what way were Adenauer’s political moves seen as stability that went against the democratic spirit of the basic law?
The removing of parties and changes in vote allocations. This was stabilising but resulted in a three party house with shifting coalitions.
What was the benefit of Adenauer’s forceful personality?
He kept FRG coalitions working together until 1957 when the CDU/CSU won a majority.
Why was Adenauer’s focus on greater European integration criticised?
The SPD argued the focus on the West would stop Germany becoming united.
Which parties were banned under Adenauer?
In 1952 the extreme right-wing Socialist Reich Party and in 1956 the KPD.
What were the 2 main sources of criticism towards Adenauer from the SPD and FDP?
- His authoritarian style and forceful management of the Bundestag.
- His Atlanticist approach (ties with the West).
How did Adenauer exclude left wing political opposition?
He changed vote allocations and seats in the Bundestag, making it harder for small parties to gain seats.
What did Adenauer denounce?
De-nazification. He preferred to integrate ex-Nazis into post-War Germany (Year Zero approach).
Why did Adenauer adopt a Year Zero approach?
He wanted to be able to quickly build a Federal and regional civil service. He argued that it was the only way to establish an effective civil service.
