FRG 1.1 Flashcards
How was the FRG created?
After WW2 and Germanys Surrender, allies agreed to meet at Potsdam conference to reconstruct Germany. it was decided to divide it into 4 zones: run by Russia, France, USA, and Britian. Allies were to work together.
When did Germany surrender from WW2?
7 May 1945
When was the Potsdam conference?
17 july- 2 august 1945
What was discussed at the Potsdam conference?
disarming, demilitarising, decentralising and denazifying Germany.
when were political parties set up?
Early 1945
Who were the first party in the FRG?
11 June- KPD- wanted german socialism with land reform, new education system and a democratic govt
What other political parties were there?
SPD- had radical policies, the centre party, 2 church based parties- CDU (Christian Democratic Union and CSU- (Crhistian Social Union of Bavaria), Liberal Democratic Party and others
What happened between USSR and West?
relations developed into the cold war, many countries became communist therefore the west set up the Marshall plan
What was the Marshall plan?
a plan to give economic help in 1947 to European countries who could become communist under soviet influence
what was the socialist Unity Party of Germany?
April 1946, KPD and SPD formed a single party, most significant party in soviet zone
Why couldn’t the allies work together?
they all were politically different and could never agree on a single system govt, Germany was going to remain divided
When did the parliamentary council announce the basic law?
23rd May 1949
it outlined free and lib democracy, New govt- clean slate for its work
what did the Basic Law promise?
Equal rights for citizens
Freedom and no censorship
State education for all
When were the first elections
14 Aug 1949
who was the first chancellor of FRG
Konrad Adenauer- leader of CDU
How was Adenauer as chancellor?
He was seen as the father of modern germany
How long was Adenauer chancellor?
1949-63
Why did some dislike Adenauer?
Critics: SPD and FDP didn’t like his authoritarian style and forceful management
Called his leadership “chancellor democracy”
thought he had more power than allowed
What was Adenauer’s Policy agenda?
Based on domestic and foreign policy
Goal was to unite Germany and make good relations with Europe
SpD were critical of this
Why did Adenauer let too many Nazis into the govt?
he said letting them in was the quickest way to move on and establish a civil service. In 1951, even ex nazis were allowed to work in the civil service
when did FRG establish its own army?
1955
who were the 2 chancellors after Adenauer?
both from CDU
Erhard and Keisinger
what did Erhard do
Erhard followed adenauer’s atlanticist policies to introduce emergency law to search homes and open mail in times of serious political tensions
Why did erhard resign?
because he introduced a budget with such heavy taxation and couldnt form a coalition therefore had to resign
