Concepts Flashcards
What was West Germany known as?
The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)
When was FRG founded?
23rd May 1949
What was East Germany known as?
The German Democratic Republic (GDR)
When was GDR founded?
7th October 1949
What did Churchill mean by the “Iron Curtain”?
the divide in Europe; it is impenetrable as he can’t get through it
What is a Satellite State?
(not necessary right now)
A country that is formally independent in the world, but under heavy political, economic & military influence or control from another country
Why did the division of Germany prove to be one of the most significant developments in 20th century history?
brought an end to the German national state created in 1871
resulted in joint control of central Europe by the USA + USSR
became the initial focus of the Cold War, which was to last for 40 years
What was the formation of the GDR shaped by?
(not necessary right now)
the years of occupation + particularly by the influence of the KPD and their secretary Walter Ulbricht
What was the constitution of the GDR in theory?
a multi-party system with two parliamentary chambers: the Volkskammer and the Landerkammer (like the FRG)
What did the GDR claim to be?
a democratic state with its power coming from the people + guaranteed civil rights
in reality it quickly developed in to a totalitarian state, directed by the Soviets
What is the GDR also known as?
the DDR
The leaders of the GDR didn’t have the support of the majority of their people behind them, so what did they do to maintain their power?
made use of the SED & the party system, the judiciary, the Stasi, Soviet troops and SMAD
What was the Stasi?
State Secret Police
What did the DDR declare?
the state temporary, awaiting reunification
What was involved in the DDR multi-party system?
The Parliament - Volkskammer
The upper house - Landerkammer
The President
The Prime minister
these were set up to make it seem democratic, the power actually lied with Walter Ulbricht
