Chapter 3: US Attitude to Germany/Berlin Flashcards
When and what was Bizonia?
In January 1947, the British and American occupation zones in Germany and Berlin were merged into a single zone known as Bizonia.
What did Bizonia enforce?
That the USA was interested in creating a clearly defined West German state that was to become a leading force in the unification of an economically stable and united Western European bloc.
What decision was made regarding Germany in February 1948?
The decision was taken to introduce a new currency into the Western zones of Germany and Berlin. This was formally activated in June and the consequences were immediate: Soviet Union imposed a blockade on Berlin.
What did the Marshall Plan suggest of the USA’s understanding of Berlin and Germany?
Suggested that the USA recognized that a strong German economy was fundamental to the development of European economic recovery. Represented new understanding of Germany’s and Berlins importance in the economic recovery of Western Europe as a whole.
What was Kennan’s negative perspective on the US direct involvement in Germany?
He did not believe the Marshall Plan would free the USA from a long term dependency on it from the Western Zones of Germany. He was wary of the USA assuming such a heavy burden of responsibility for the development and success of Western zones economies.
How were moves by the USA towards the establishment of a divided Germany becoming increasingly apparent by March 1947?
The Moscow Council of Foreign Ministers broke up, having failed to reach any firm agreement on a firm peace treaty with Germany, by May the USA had increased the responsibility of Germans in Bizonia for their own economic development, coal production was made the responsibility of the Germans.
Why did the US believe a divided Germany would be more beneficial than a united Germany?
A divided Germany was indefinitely preferable to a united Germany that might become aligned to the Soviet Union.
Why did policy makers in Washington reject the notion of a reunified Germany?
Might become too powerful, Germany might align itself with the USSR, particularly if the communist influence already present assumed greater force in a reunified Germany, and the extent of American influence could be undermined as Germany developed a degree of economic dominance that would ensure its independence. The development of a West German economic recovery, rather than a wider reunified Germany would be more manageable and therefore ensure US influence in Europe as a whole more easily.
