Germany’s Transition – From Arms to Motors Flashcards
What period marks Germany’s major transition from arms to motor economy?
1950s–1970s
What was the state of Germany’s economy after World War II?
Devastated; Foreign stocks worth ~$2.5bn confiscated as reparations
What was the Marshall Plan’s role in the transition?
West Germany received $1.4 billion USD in aid, facilitating industrial rebuilding, the shift to consumer production, and re-entry into global trade.
What was the name of this revitalisation?
Miracle on the Rhine or Wirtschaftswunder
When was this period?
(1948–1952)
What happened to arms manufacturing post-WWII?
heavily restricted
What is the significance of the German auto industry?
It became the backbone of the postwar economy
What was Volkswagen’s role in this transition?
Originally a Nazi project, Volkswagen became a symbol of postwar recovery.
How many VW Beetles sold in US in 1968
Just under 40,000
What percentage of Germany’s exports are vehicles today?
15–20%
How does Realism interpret Germany’s postwar transition?
demilitarization as a result of power politics and imposed constraints by Allied powers, with the shift to economic power as a substitute for military strength in asserting influence.
How does Liberal Institutionalism explain Germany’s transformation?
Through economic integration Germany benefited from rules-based trade and cooperation, which allowed it to thrive without relying on military power.
How does Constructivism explain the shift from arms to motors?
Germany’s national identity reconstructed itself after WWII — from an aggressive military state to a “civilian power” valuing peace, industry, and diplomacy, shaping its economic focus.
What does Neo-mercantilism suggest about Germany’s motor economy?
Neo-mercantilists would argue that Germany uses industrial exports (like cars) to maintain economic power, maximize trade surpluses, and project influence globally without military force.
