Divided Germany 1949-1963: How was FRG Established Flashcards
Why could it be argued Germany was worse off Post-WWII then Post-WWI?
- Imposed democracy
- Defeat and total occupation
- Territorial losses
- Expulsion and flight of millions
What was the FRG?
Federal Republic of Germany (West) - Occupied by Western Allies
When was the Konrad Adenauer era?
1949-1963
Why did the FRG Constitution change from the previous Constitution?
It recognised that the old constitution had allowed Hitler to gain power.
How did the FRG Constitution attempt to avoid a repeat of Hitler?
It was set up to prevent threats from political extremists
What controlled the FRG?
The Occupation Statute
What was the Occupation Statute?
Set up in 1949, allowed the USA, Britain and France to control the area until it was a Sovereign State in 1955
What was the nature of Basic Law?
Not a Constitution, allowed for flexibility should Germany be reunified. Covered all Germans (East and West)
What was the Bonn Republic?
The Republic which existed under Basic Law
What happened to the President under Basic Law?
- Powers diminished
- Term reduced from 7 to 5 years
- Chosen by assembly of Bundestag and Lander, not people
- Now a symbolic role, no Article 48
What happened to Parliament under Basic Law?
- Two tiers (Bundestag and Bundesrat)
- Chancellor was more powerful than President
- Constructive vote of no confidence introduced to avoid coalitions
What was the Bundestag?
- Federal Parliament (lower chamber)
What was the Bundesrat?
- Federal Council (upper chamber)
Who elected the Chancellor?
President and Bundestag
What was pluralism under Basic Law?
Parties could not be abolished unless they acted against constitution. No referendums avoided division
