FRG Flashcards
When is the FRG formed?
May 1949
what were the economic issues faced by the FRG?
disagreements over zone administration
- weak economy post-war
- link to currency reform which was necessary (high inflation due to trading)
what were the priorities of the Western powers?
nuclear aid, Truman Doctrine and Marshall plan
what years were the Adenauer era?
1949-1963
what were the aims of the FRG in political terms?
It was recognised that the constitution of the Weimar Republic had allowed Hitler to gain power. The new democracy ensured that threats from the left or right would be prevented.
The FRG was to remain under the control of the Occupation Statute set up in 1949 and allowed the USA, Britain and France to control the area until it was declared a sovereign state in 1955.
The ‘Basic Law’ was not a constitution but allowed for flexibility should Germany be reunified. Applied to all Germans regardless of geography- including those under Polish and Soviet rule
what was Occupation Statute and when was it?
1949- allowed USA, Britain and France to control the area until it was declared a sovereign state in 1955
what was Basic Law also known as?
The Bonn Republic
for how long did the president rule in the Bonn Republic?
reduced from 7 to 5 years
the presidents powers dramatically diminished
now a symbolic role and no Article 48
how was the President elected in the Bonn Republic?
Chosen by Bundenstag and by equal number of people of lander
not elected by the German people
how was parliament organised?
Into the Bundestag (new Reichstag)- federal government, lower chamber
Bundesrat- federal council-upper chamber
what was the role of the chancellor now like?
had more power than the president unlike in Nazi Germany
Chancellor is elected by President and the Bundestag
how are coalitions avoided in the Bonn Republic that were prevalent in Weimar era?
introducing a constructive vote of no confidence. Also, in 1953- 5% hurdle or the 1 constituency rule was introduced. This increased to 3 in 1957. Favoured larger parties rather than coalitions!
what is meant by the term party pluralism?
parties could not be abolished unless they acted against the constitution
no referendums were allowed in order to avoid division
why may some historians argue the situation in 1945 was worse than that of 1918?
- Imposed democracy
- Total defeat and occupation
- Territorial losses
- Immigration
what was the Bonn Republic’s electoral system like?
the constitution prevented the abolition of political parties
mixed member political representation- representatives for 1/2 seats in Bundestag through majority vote (first past the post) other half from party lists on proportional representation basis
what was the supreme court like?
left and right extremists were banned during the 1950’s- communists banned in 1956 despite support
investigated anti-democratic activities
what was the CDU/CSU?
Christian Democratic Union/Christian Social Union
What was the FDP?
Free Democratic Party
what parties were in the constitution?
CDU/CSU, FDP, KPD, SPD
what coalition existed in 1949?
CDU/CSU, FDP and others
what coalition existed in 1953?
CDU/CSU and FDP
what coalition existed in 1957?
CDU/CSU majority
what coalition existed in 1961?
CDU/CSU and FDP
what did the 1949 election highlight?
democracy was persevering although the KPD came 4th (Germans not yet willing to turn away from extremism) (advocated for dictatorship-context)
who is elected first president of the FRG?
Theodor Heuss
what was Adenauer’s party and what were they like?
Christian Democratic Party- more right wing
starts out as traditional Christian values with a social conscience- ‘middle of the road’ conservatism and absorbs many right wing parties.
what party was considered the chameleon party?
Free Democratic Party- chop and change
when are the Socialist Reich Party banned?
essentially neo-Nazis
1952
removal of extremism
who is Schumacher?
leader of the SPD from 1946-1952
hated Nazis and communists equally
rejected merger with KPD in 1946
unification = a major principle for the SPD
Hostile to Adenauer’s policy of cooperation in the West
Who is Ollenhauer?
leader of the SPD from 1952-1963
less charismatic than Schumacher and this meant SPD failed to get anymore than 1/3 of vote. CDU was growing stronger. Economic recovery prevented success as did Cold War climate and growing acceptance of German division- no more need for ‘extremism’
when do the SPD change tactics?
1959- accepted division and western integration and became more liberal
who is Willy Brandt?
1st SPD chancellor in 1969
mayor of Berlin in 1961-1963
what were the problems facing Adenauer as chancellor?
economic recession, unemployment and price rises (inflation from war)
Need for housing after WW2 destruction and to accommodate refugees
FRG still controlled by occupying powers at the start
what were the aims of Adenauer?
western integration
the ‘German Question’ reunification but with a capitalist-orientated state (his personal policy-CDU)
‘Magnet theory’
Economic policy was Erhard’s ‘social market’ policy
wanted to create social consensus through concessions
during what years was Erhard minister of economics?
1949-1963
also vice chancellor from 1957
Director of German Economic Council from 1948 for the Bizone
what did Britain and America struggle to cope with?
what does Erhard do?
the humanitarian crisis, large volumes of refugees and former exiles returning
- Too much wage and price control to cope with the inflation crisis
- Black market economy flourished
Erhard changed allied price controls-abolished them and did this without asking anyone
Believed allies were making problems worse
what were the aims of Erhard’s social market economy?
increase consumption and therefore economic growth
Prepared the currency reform and ended state regulation which led to increased production
Aimed to combine political and economic freedom with social justice and security. While private property should be protected, and enterprise and investment supported with as many financial incentives as possible (loans for new businesses etc), a strong state should be able to intervene in the free market in order to defend the common interests of the individual.
what was the Foundation Crisis from 1949-1950?
rising consumption and economic growth were the key aims
despite positives there was a crisis
price rises were not matched by wages
shortages of some resources needed for rebuilding- like coal
initial increase in imports led to payment deficits
high unemployment
what was unemployment like in 1950 due to the Foundation crisis?
13.5%
What factors undermined effect of Foundation Crisis?
Korean War- led to an increase in exports to America, providing economic stimulus
by 1952- economic recovery was occurring
how did economic growth average out to prove economic miracle in regards to Britain?
8% a year- whereas Britain 2-3%
how did GNP improve?
1950-1955 doubled and then increased by a further 50% in 1960
what was unemployment down to by 1955?
4.2%
then full employment
even found work for refugees and 3 million more from the GDR before 1961
labour shortages in 1960s even led to recruitment of foreign labour from Italy and Turkey!
what was negative about the economic miracle and change of economy on agriculture?
farmers had large subsidies but the structure of the economy was changing- loss of workers
1950-1960- proportion of those working in agriculture halved, but production went up by 25% due to mechanisation
why did the FRG become and economic giant?
Erhard’s reforms- currency reform prior to division too (1948)
FRG’s access to extensive resources
Population was well educated and skilled
Marshall Plan
Refugees were often well educated and skilled
There was an increase in demand for capital and consumer goods
Effectiveness of the Bundesbank
Gov.t expenditure was low
World Trade had advanced- ECSC 1951 AND EEC 1957
what was the Equalisation of Burden’s Law 1953?
Introduced property levy on money and real estate not affected by war to give something to those suffering heavy losses
143 billion Deutsche Marks redistributed in 30 years, this eased social tensions
what was the 131 Law?
1951
Restored employment and pension rights of former civil servants
Expensive but it offered support to middle class public employees, helped to foster reintegration of Nazi sympathisers
What was Wiedergutmachung 1952?
Adenauer recognised the importance of addressing the brutality of the Nazi years and offering compensation
Translation = ‘making good again’. Offered reparations to Nazi victims
Helped to show international community that they were moving on from the past
German-Israeli Compensation agreement gave 3450 million DM
No acceptance of collective guilt for Nazi crimes but they were acknowledged in need of reparations
what Trade Union organisation was created in 1949?
TU system was simplified in 1949- 16 workers unions under one umbrella organisation- The German Federation of Trade Unions
what was the Co-determination of Law 1951?
This gave workers representatives on managerial boards in coal, iron and steel industries (crucial to re-build Germany). This appeased workers who wanted nationalism and redistribution of property-SPD principles
what was the Workers Constitution of Law 1952?
This created a work council for all companies of over 500 employees
This meant that TU stepped back from politics and there was few strikes- had their rights given back, and therefore this improves political stability, through set of laws that focus on workers rights
What social policies were there within the FRG?
unemployment benefit
accident insurance
sickness insurance (much improved in 1957 with sick pay)
pension reformed in 1957- 60% of a persons earnings
public assistance for the desperate
family welfare- child allowances and from 1954 child benefit
state supported new housing- 1949-1961 6 million new flats, half of which were council homes
In what ways was social equality granted to women in the FRG?
Law of Equality of the Sexes in 1957- right to seek employment even without consent of husbands. They could also keep control of their property after marriage
More opportunities to have women working due to expanding admin and service sector. A female workforce was seen as a positive within the FRG
how was the social equality of women hindered?
they did not have equal pay- 40% less than men
no equality in higher education- 19% in 1950, 30% in 1968
still largely traditional and conservative in views towards women promoted by the catholic church
three KKK’s were still viewed as major roles
why was modest living still apparent despite the economic miracle, up until 1955?
most incomes grew slowly despite economic miracle and for industrial and office workers, which led to modest living. Most people continued with war time savings and attitudes to money
up to 1955:
20% still lived at basic subsistence level
over 50% lived in a 1 bedroom flat/house
average working week = 49 hrs, over 1/3 had never had a holiday
but improved TU representation led to an increase in incomes and living standards
what was a working week reduced to by 1962?
40 hours and a 5 day working week, with longer holidays
consumerism statistics of the 1960’s…
63% of households owned a fridge
42% owned a TV
38% owned a car all by 1962
not ashamed to show off wealth, social envy was reduced
what was ‘without me’?
a phrase used to describe the mentality of Germans who wanted to make up for the years of war and focus on home, work and family
focus for Germans was not on politics but family and material achievements
there was a decline in traditional culture, expansion of mass media (cinema and TV), fashion, rock n roll, coca cola, rejection of old ideas and rebellion against family views
how did the FRG deal with education reform?
Little agreement on a common education policy from the Bizone at first
Responsibility was passed to the Lander (German Council) in 1949
Traditional German school system was retained which Germans welcomed
Primary schools were maintained, as well as selective grammar and vocational schools
German universities were the preserve of the elite
post-war education = lots of practical issues- lack of resources, staff, buildings and large classes
new teachers were often unqualified and limited training was offered
the curriculum returned to that of the Weimar years and there was no clear consensus on how to progress
What was Abolition of Fees in 1958 and the Dusseldorf agreement?
Led to an organisation of school holidays, school years and examination subjects
There was limited progress in the education sector due to the lack of consensus and Communist fears
The economic prosperity disguised weakness in education reform
Focus on the Weimar era and traditionalist approach
No desire to mimic the reforms of the GDR
Lander could not agree on a policy
How did life improve in the FRG?
population growth- 47.5 million in 58.6 million in 1965
Increase in social mobility and rural to urban migration
Agriculture declines and so does old-fashioned rural lifestyle
Increase in employment interest in electronics and service industries
Car production increased as did the number on the roads
Reduction in class divide due to increasing wealth (1960’s consumerism etc)- Fulbrook ‘West Germans appeared rather homogeneously middle class’
greater consensus on political spectrum
what was Adenauer’s foreign policy aims?
secure sovereignty for the FRG
exploit economic, political and military strength of the West through integration
Oppose reunification attempts to avoid being preyed on by Communism
what was the ECSC?
European Coal and Steel Community 1951
Improves relationships with France
Then expanded to include Italy and Benelux States (Belgium, Luxembourg, Netherlands)
Agreed common policy for prices, subsidies and investment and lifted restrictions on imports and exports
Long term improved Franco-German relations and established an economic equal footing
what was the EEC?
European Coal and Steel Community- 1957
Set up following success of ECSC
Created after Signing of Treaty of Rome 1957
Created a customs union to harmonise measures of trade and prices such as agriculture
Aimed to coordinate transport, economic policies, remove free competition restrictions, mobility of labour and capital
Provided FRG with the opportunity to exert political and economic control- largest member of EEC
what was the Petersberg Agreement?
1949, signed with Allied High Commission
Allowed FRG to join the International Ruhr Agreement
Limited the dismantling of industry by the Allies
FRG gain right to establish diplomatic relations with other states and they are allowed to join the European Council
What was the European Council?
May 1949
Promotes cooperation between European Countries on legal standards, human rights and democratic values
Establishes European Court of Human Rights
What was the OEEC?
Organisation for the European Economic Co-operation- created in 1948 to administer the Marshall aid and to work on a joint recovery programme through economic cooperation
Bizone was a founding member
What was the IMF?
International Monetary fund
Created in 1945 to stabilise exchange rates and supervise the world’s payment system to prevent financial imbalance
FRG joins in 1952
what was GATT?
General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade- formed in 1948 by the United Nations with the main objective of reducing barriers to international trade
FRG joins in 1951
what was the impact of the Chinese Revolution and the Korean War? (1949, 1950)
External factors which helped to speed up the acceptance of the FRG due to fear of Communism
Europeans were encouraged to defend themselves but the idea of German rearmament was not looked on favourably. EDC set up by France
what was the EDC?
European Defence Community set up by French with limited German involvement
FRG join in 1952
Adenauer bargained that in return for joining that the Occupation Statute would end and the FRG would become a sovereign state. Lots of opposition to re-armament
when is German Sovereignty granted to the FRG?
May 1955
The Western Powers kept their rights and responsibilities over West Berlin and the stationing of troops to guarantee it’s security
No consideration of a reunification plan
what are the Bundeswehr?
German armed forces
Created November 1955
what is NATO?
North Atlantic Treaty Organisation formed in 1949 and FRG joined in 1955
Essential step to secure defence of Western Europe ( for US)
Even as an ally, US believed re-militarising West Germany was vital against Soviet attempts of expansion
what happened with the Saar?
Adenauer agreed to accept the automatous status of the Saar and it’s ties with France
Population was given a plebiscite and voted to return it to the FRG
Previously would have caused tensions with France but this did not happen - highlights positive impact of German foreign policy through Adenauer
what was the WEU?
West European Union- France, Britain, Benelux states, FRG, Italy and superseded EDC
A defensive pact
what were the Stalin Notes?
Offered a generous reunification plan at the same time as he EDC was being negotiated
Offered democratic elections, neutral status, established Eastern Frontiers as well as the removal of all foreign troops
Rejected in 1952, by USA who wanted to ensue EDC success
Adenauer was worried the neutral status would make Germany vulnerable to Communist takeover
Offer regularly renewed after Stalin’s death but Western Powers would not budge
what was the Hallstein Doctrine?
1955
Opened diplomatic negotiations with USSR, but unsuccessful due to entrenched views
FRG refused any diplomatic negotiations with states which recognised the GDR
Successful due to economic aid to vulnerable countries
what was the Warsaw Pact?
1955
Defence alliance of the USSR and the countries of central and eastern European under the Soviet regimes
what was Magnet Theory?
attract GDR migrants to boost the FRG economy and give them the upper hand in reunification negotiations
what was the 1959 Presidency Fiasco?
spring 1959-Heuss retires
CDU encourage Adenauer to put himself forward
He withdrew when he realised he would essentially lose power (symbolic role)
Wanted to ensure a hard stance between USSR and GDR was maintained
Wanted to block Erhard from becoming chancellor- did not rate his political skills
Lost credibility due to all of this- impacted on his fall
Adenauer’s own party wanted to get rid of him, Erhard and Adenauer could not see eye to eye…
what was the 1958-1961 TV dispute?
Adenauer set up a TV company- Deutschland Fernsehen
Controlled by Federal government
SPD attacked Adenauer for this stating he threatened freedom of the media
February 1961- company is declared unconstitutional and dissolved
Opponents attacked his style of govt due to this and claimed it was too controlling
Similar to Nazi regime etc- loss of popularity
Presidency Fiasco reinforces his want for control
what happened during the 1961 Election?
SPD vs CDU
Polls claimed Adenauer was still in favour over SPD leader, Willy Brandt due to his experience and growing economy
During election campaigning-GDR launch Berlin Wall
West Berliners = horrified, particularly due to Adenauer’s actions- continued campaigning
Eventually visits a week later but because he attacked Brandt this lost him support due to his cold approach
CDU did win, but only by 45%
Coalition with FDP was formed on the agreement that Adenauer would step down within four years
Significant- although wins election has to lose power
what was the Der Spiegel affair 1962?
a left-wing newspaper that had criticised Strauss (CSU leader and minister of Defence)
Did not like his political stance or foreign relations
In favour of NATO nuclear strikes, believed in ‘massive deterrence’ to fight against Communist threat
October- published an article about NATO military plans in the event of an attack by Warsaw Pact
Offices in Hamburg searched and shut down
writers and editors arrested- treason and corruption
Adenauer defended Strauss- bad publicity
Triggered a government crisis- 5 FDP members leave cabinet
Strauss sacked, (save coalition) Adenauer step down following year
what were Adenauer’s underlying foreign policy issues?
It was successful despite SPD opposition
However, by late 1950s international context was changing- failure to adapt
Committed to the non-recognition of the GDR, Hallstein Doctrine and Strauss leadership as defence minister
Suspicious of intentions of USA and Britain during the Berlin crisis 1958-1961 (negotiated with USSR)
FDP (coalition partner) and Erhard were also pro-America, nicknamed the ‘Atlantacists’.
Responsible for pushing Erhard to replace Adenauer as chancellor
When was Adenauer forced to accept nomination of Erhard as his successor?
April 1963
When does Adenauer resign?
October 1963
What happened in the Lander elections of 1963?
The CDU lost many votes and the party began to ask for a grand coalition with the SPD
