FRG - West Germany 1949-89 Flashcards
What was the FRG and when was it established?
The Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) was established in May 1949 in West Germany as a democratic state formed from the zones occupied by the USA, Britain, and France.
Why did the Allies assist the FRG significantly after WWII?
They wanted to prevent the spread of communism, rebuild Europe economically (e.g., Marshall Plan), and ensure stability in Western Europe.
What were key differences between the Weimar Constitution and the Basic Law?
Basic Law included stronger checks and balances, a 5% threshold to limit extremist parties, and guaranteed civil rights, unlike the more vulnerable Weimar Constitution.
What is the Bundestag?
The Bundestag is the federal parliament and the main legislative body of the FRG, elected through a mixed-member proportional representation system.
What is the Bundesrat?
The Bundesrat is the federal council representing the 16 Länder (states) and has the power to veto certain legislation.
What were Adenauer’s main goals as chancellor?
To restore the economy, ensure political stability, integrate with the West, and gain sovereignty for the FRG.
What was the EEC and how did it help the FRG?
The European Economic Community, formed in 1957, promoted economic integration; it helped boost FRG trade and tied it closer to Western Europe.
How effective were Adenauer’s domestic policies?
They brought political stability, economic growth (Wirtschaftswunder), and reintegrated former Nazis, though some criticized his authoritarian tendencies.
What was OEEC?
The Organisation for European Economic Co-operation, created to distribute Marshall Aid and coordinate European economic recovery.
What was NATO and why did the FRG join?
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization; the FRG joined in 1955 to strengthen Western alliances and defense against the USSR.
Why did Adenauer retire in 1963?
Pressure from scandals, declining popularity, and internal CDU criticism over authoritarian style led to his resignation.
How politically stable was the FRG from 1966-89?
Despite challenges like economic crises and radical opposition, the FRG remained stable with peaceful transitions between governments.
Main aspects of Willy Brandt’s government?
Ostpolitik (Eastern diplomacy), greater civil liberties, and social reforms.
Main aspects of Helmut Schmidt’s government?
Pragmatic economic management, dealt with oil crises, strong stance against terrorism.
Main aspects of Helmut Kohl’s government?
Economic liberalisation, welfare cuts, reunification preparation, strong transatlantic ties.
How much of a threat were East-West relations to stability?
Moderate; Cold War tensions were managed through diplomacy like Ostpolitik, but security remained a concern.
How significant was opposition from smaller parties and pressure groups?
Limited; the 5% threshold limited parliamentary disruption, though they sometimes influenced public debate.
What was the Year Zero principle?
A concept of starting anew after Nazi rule, emphasizing democratic rebuilding and breaking from the past.
Key causes of student protests?
Opposition to Vietnam War, lack of educational reform, authoritarianism, and Nazi continuity in public life.
Impact of student opposition?
It shifted public discourse, led to reforms in education, but also provoked backlash and increased state security powers.
How significant a threat was student opposition?
Limited direct political threat but significant cultural impact and pressure for reform.
Who were the RAF and what did they want?
Red Army Faction, a far-left terrorist group aiming to overthrow capitalist structures and fight US imperialism.
How much of a threat were the RAF?
Serious in terms of violence and fear, but politically marginal with limited support.
Government response to RAF and student radicals?
Emergency Laws (1968), increased policing and surveillance, banning extremist groups — effective in reducing violence.
