Chapter 4: Creation of East and West Germany Flashcards
When were the plans for a split Germany finalised?
Early 1949.
What was the USSR’s attitude to this split Germany?
Initially reluctant to establish a permanent division of Germany, since its objective was to create a pro-Soviet united Germany.
What was the USSR’s Eastern Germany like?
A constitution for the new East German state had been assembled. Despite this democratic facade, the constitution was based on a one-party state system with the SED (German Socialist Unity party- Socialist and Communism combined) as the party for voter choice.
What was uncertain regarding the USA and Western Europe?
Uncertain whether the USA would commit itself to the long-term defence of Western Europe. There was a strong perception within the USA that Europe should make a significant contribution towards its own defence.
;How had Europe already made a significant contribution to its own defence?
With the formation of a European defence organisation (Western European Union- WEU) inlcuding Britan, France, and the Benelux countries.
What was the aim of the WEU- Western European Union?
To prevent any form of German resurgence that might threaten the security of post-War Western Europe.
What did the creation of WEU mean?
Many Historians regard it as a major factor in the polarisation of the Cold War and in Europe becoming a focal point in the Cold War. European states were seen as signalling to the USA that Western Germany, and Europe as a whole, was under threat from a communist advance and that the USA must take a more proactive role in the development of a stronger European defence ststem.
What was NATO?
It was an Atlantic Alliance, rather than a purely regional European alliance like the WEU, should be created. It was a means of reassuring Western European states in the face of possible Soviet military aggression. North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Primarily a political defence system rather than a military organisation.
When was NATO created?
April 1949.
What did Article 5 of NATO state regarding military intervention?
“armed attack against one or more of them in Europe or North America shall be considered an attack against them all”.
Article 1 “settle any international disputes…by peaceful means”
What was the Soviet reaction to NATO?
Summed up by Alexander Panyushkin, Soviet ambassador to the US. Argued that NATO was an aggressive organisation designed to pressurise states into complying with the interests of Britain, USA and their allies.
What did NATO make clear?
Clear that the Cold War was in place. From this point international relations between the East and West entered a new phase of hostility.
