Division of Germany Flashcards
How was the USA more to blame for the division of Germany than the USSR?
their actions eg Truman Doctrine, Marshall Aid; excluded the USSR and led to them making drastic decisions which cemented the division
How did the Truman Doctrine divide Germany?
it excluded the USSR from joining + receiving Marshall Aid as they were unable to sign it since it instituted a policy of containment against the soviets
Why did currency reform divide Germany?
USSR did not agree to the new currency, USA implemented it anyway so isolated USSR as it openly went against their wishes
also a physical representation that Germany was divided as they were using different currencies
led to Berlin Blockade
How did the Berlin Blockade damage the USSR’s reputation?
presented the USSR as villains while presenting the USA as a hero
Why was the USSR more to blame for the division of Germany?
did have option to join Truman Doctrine & receive Marshall Aid but chose not to due to communist beliefs
could have agreed to currency but didn’t
responsible for Berlin Blockade after currency reform - impossible to cooperate after this
What factors would you include for “why was Germany divided in 1949” ?
Political reasons
Economic reasons
The Berlin Blockade
What political reasons contributed to the division of Germany?
‘Iron Curtain’ across Europe, differing ideologies (communism vs capitalism)
The Truman Doctrine
Decisions made at Potsdam
What economic reasons contributed to the division of Germany?
Disparity between the economies-cooperation between zones essential
Formation of Bizonia and Trizonia
Marshall Aid
Currency Reforms
Why did the Berlin Blockade contribute to the division of Germany?
Stalin tried to starve West, impossible to cooperate after this
sealed division
led directly the formation of NATO
Trizonia became Federal Republic of Germany in 1949, East Germany became Germany democratic republic in Oct 1949, differences were irreconcilable
How did the decisions made at Potsdam contribute to political reasons for the division of Germany?
no permanent solution to German problem was reached
became clear that German zones of occupation could not be merged into a united Germany due to East-West ideological differences
Why did the Truman Doctrine have a greater impact on the division of Germany than currency reform?
it had been the first real issue that arose between the two superpowers
it led the way for the Marshall Plan which was the cause of currency reform
revealed the American’s anti-communist sentiments to the Russians, highlighting the incompatibility of an alliance between the two due to differing ideologies
Why did the currency reform have a greater impact on the division of Germany than the Truman Doctrine?
TD started divide but currency reform was breaking point –> Blockade –> NATO
using different currencies is a physical representation of divide
led to Blockade which damaged USSR’s rep, appeared as oppressors, USA as heroes
isolated, went against wishes
