Creation of the FRG, 1945-49 - Elections

Question 1

When did the first elections to the Bundestag take place?

Answer 1

14 August 1949

Question 2

Where/when did the Bundestag first meet?

Answer 2

in Bonn on 7 Sept 1949

Question 3

Was there a need for a coalition gov?

Answer 3

YES - even w consolidation of faith-based parties & liberal parties
= small parties still took up enough of the vote so no majority party

Question 4

What was the result of the 14 Aug 1949 election?

Answer 4

CDU/CSU - 31% (most rw)
SPD - 29.2% (most lw)
FDP/liberal - 11.9%

= FRDP/liberal coalition held the balance of power

Question 5

Who was the first FRG chancellor?

Answer 5

Konrad Adenauer (leader of the CDU)

Question 6

How did the USSR respond to the creation of the FRG?

Answer 6

by setting up the German Democratic Republic (GDR)

Question 7

When did the GDR announce its constitution?

Answer 7

7 October 1949

Question 8

What was the majority party in the GDR?

Answer 8

the SED

Question 9

Did either republic rule out unification?

Answer 9

NO - neither ruled unification out

Question 10

Why did the GDR & FRG have 2 different identities in the eyes of the world?

Answer 10

• different governments
• different political parties
• different constitutions