FRG - Leaders Flashcards
1
Q
What years did Adenauer rule as chancellor?
A
1949 to 1963
2
Q
Stability under ADENAUER
A
- His forceful personality kept coalitions together until 1957 when the CDU/CSU gained majority
- 1952 banned Socialist Reich Party (extreme right)
- 1956 banned the KDP
- Excluded left wing political parties by making changes to vote allocations and seat in Bundestag
- His choices to exclude smaller parties meant that there was stability but resulted in 3 party coalitions with shifting coalitions
3
Q
Instability under ADENAUER
A
- Focus on Western integration meant he was seen to focus little on reunification with the east
- Criticised for appointing weak ministers who he treated as advisers.
- SPD and FDP objected to his authoritarian management of the Bundestag.
- Year Zero approach allowed too many ex-Nazis into government.
4
Q
What years did Erhard rule as chancellor?
A
1963 to 1966
5
Q
What years did Kiesinger rule as chancellor?
A
1966 to 1969
6
Q
What happened under Erhard and Kiesinger?
A
Erhard tried to introduce emergency policy to search phones, blocked by the SPD until 1968 when extremist parties rose
Kiesinger entered into grand coaltion with the SPD
7
Q
What years did Brandt rule as Chancellor?
A
1969 to 1974
8
Q
Stability under BRANDT
A
- Establishment of Ostpolitik that continued until reunification, helping to normalise relations with East Germany.
- Vote in 1972 saw highest voter turnout ever and lead to SDP majority
- Improved international relations, especially with communist Eastern Europe.
9
Q
Instability under BRANDT
A
- Ostpolitik was met with serious oppositions
- CSU/CDU tried to undermine Brandt
- Significant FDP and CDU members joined together to try a vote of no confidence in 1972 against Brandt but failed.
- GDR spy infiltrated and acted as Brandt’s advisor, forcing his resignation
10
Q
What years did Schmidt rule as chancellor?
A
1974 to 1982
11
Q
Stability under SCHMIDT
A
- Careful not to introduce policy that rocked the boat
- Sought reconciliation with soviet block as well as maintaining relationship with the west (remained part of NATO and joined the EEC)
12
Q
Instability under SCHMIDT
A
- Faced opposition from newly formed Green Party
- Seen to be as conservative as CSU with high tax and welfare cuts
- Vote of no confidence in 1982 lead to replacements
13
Q
What years did Kohl rule as chancellor?
A
1983 to 1990
14
Q
Stability under KOHL
A
- Strong economic recovery. GNP rose 1.3% in 1983, first growth since 1980
- Signed the treaty with GDR which unified their political and economic systems
15
Q
Instability under KOHL
A
- Unemployment remained high
- Opposition from the Greens
- Terrorism
