Environmentalism in West Germany Flashcards
What long term factors led to the development of the Green movement?
In the aftermath of the oil crisis of 1973-4, regional political groups concerned with environmental issues, such as pollution in the Baltic Sea and the Rhine and Main rivers, and the damage to the country’s forests from acid rain, began to put up candidates in local and regional elections.
What short term factors led to the development of the Green movement?
In 1980, following the accident at the Three Mile Island nuclear plant in the USA in 1979 and the NATO Dual Track Decision in the same year, a number of ecological groups, alternative action movements, and various women’s rights organisations banded together at the national level to form the political party that came to be called the Greens.
Why were the Greens not initially taken seriously by many West Germans?
The Greens support for radical peace movements and their demand that the FRG withdraw from NATO initially prevented many West Germans from taking the Greens seriously as a political force.
When did they first win seats in the Bundestag, how many, and why were they able to achieve this?
In the 1983 elections, however, benefiting form disaffected SPD supporters switching to the Greens, they broke the 5% barrier and won 27 seats in the Bundestag
What were Fundis?
The dogmatic fundamentalists who were unwilling to make any compromise on policy in order to win political allies.
What were Realos?
The realists who were ready to enter into a coalition with the SPD at local and Land level in order to put environmentalist ideas into practice.
What was the Green policy of seat rotation?
This policy required members to give up their seats after only half a term so that other Green candidates would have an opportunity in the political process.
What problems did the Green policy of seat rotation cause?
Experienced Green politicians who understood the workings of parliament were forced to give up their seats and had to make do with subordinate work in the Party.
What action in 1984 made the Greens unpopular?
In 1984, a party leadership consisting only of women was elected, giving the Greens an unpopular image of practicing unbalanced reverse discrimination
Did the Greens achieve any success?
The Greens positively influenced the views of the German people, raising awareness about the environment and protection of natural resources
Having made their breakthrough in 1983, they successfully stayed in government, allowing them to raise the issues they represent in parliament.
