Berlin Refugee Crisis Flashcards
How was Germany split in 1949?
West Germany was Democratic and East Germany was firmly under the control of the communist Soviet Union
What did it mean during the 1950s that West Germany had receive Marshall aid?
They became a prosperous country where most people enjoyed a high standard of living
Why did East Germany suffer from poor standards of living and a lack of basic goods?
East Germany received barely any economic aid from the Soviet Union during Stalin’s reign and the government’s economic policies in the 1950s were mostly unsuccessful.
Why was the communist regime in East Germany increasingly unpopular?
Restrictions on what ordinary citizens could say and do
Constantly monitored by secret police (KGB)
What happened in 1953?
Riots against government resulted in Soviet government sending in armed forces ro restore order
Why did many East Germans choose to leave home and move to West Germany?
Circumstances poor in East Germany
Quality of life in West Germany was higher and it was easy to cross the border as all you had to do was cross Berlin.
How many East Germans had crossed to the West by 1958?
3 million (one sixth of country’s population)
What was the problem with so many people crossing to West Germany?
Many of the people leaving where the people East Germany needed to build its economy such as engineers and technicians as they knew they would have higher salaries in West Germany
Why couldn’t Khrushchev allow more people to cross to West Germany?
East Germany was losing valuable people
Communism was facing a propaganda disaster (East Germans making it clear they preferred West)
How did Khrushchev answer the Berlin refugee crisis?
Made the whole of Berlin part of the surrounding territory of east germany. If the Americans, British and French left Berlin, it would be very difficult for East Germans to enter West Germany
What did Khrushchev know about his plan?
It would have to be forced as Trizonia wouldn’t agree to give up Berlin
What happened in November 1958?
Khrushchev demanded that Western countries should officially recognise East Gedmany as an independent country. West refused to do so as they still believed Germany could be reunited
When did Khrushchev issue his Berlin Ultimatum?
27th November 1958
What did the Berlin Ultimatum demand?
. Berlin should be demilitarised and Western troops withdrawn
. Berlin should become a free city (city with its own independent government)
How long did the West have to make changes for Berlin Ultimatum or what?
6 months or Khrushchev would hand over control of all routes into Berlin to the government of East Germany
