Key Issue 4 (1949 - 1963) Flashcards
Adenauer's West Germany and Ulbricht's East go head to head - partitioned Germany
When was the FRG created?
May 23, 1949.
Who was the Chancellor of the FRG?
Konrad Adenauer.
What was the Basic Law (Grundgesetz)?
The temporary constitution of West Germany, created in 1949.
What conferences decided the fate of a divided Germany?
Yalta and Potsdam.
Which political party dominated the FRG?
The Christian Democratic Union (CDU) led by Konrad Adenauer.
How did Adenauer treat the East?
Called it the “Zone” and refused to visit.
When did West Germany join NATO?
1955.
What was the economic miracle?
West Germany’s rapid post-war economic recovery during the 1950s.
Who was Ludwig Erhard?
The Minister of Economics who played a key role in the economic miracle, promoting a social market economy
What was the Hallstein Doctrine?
West Germany’s policy of refusing diplomatic relations with any country that recognized East Germany, introduced in 1955.
What was the purpose of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)?
To integrate coal and steel industries among European countries and reduce the chance of war, founded in 1951.
How did the FRG deal with former Nazis?
Through a policy of integration, offering amnesty to many former Nazis and reintegrating them into society.
What was the significance of the 1953 East German Uprising?
It demonstrated resistance to communist rule in East Germany but was violently suppressed by Soviet troops.
Q: What were the refugee movements between East and West Germany in the 1950s (Brain Drain)?
A: Millions of East Germans fled to West Germany, leading to the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961.
Q: When was the Berlin Wall built?
A: August 13, 1961.
Q: Why was the Berlin Wall built?
A: To stop the mass exodus of East Germans to West Germany through Berlin.
Q: What was the significance of the Treaty of Rome for West Germany?
A: It established the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957, promoting economic integration among member states, including West Germany.
Q: What was the significance of the 1963 Élysée Treaty?
A: It strengthened Franco-German relations, establishing cooperation between the two countries.
Q: What was the Adenauer Era?
A: The period from 1949–1963 when Konrad Adenauer was Chancellor, marked by political stability, economic growth, and integration with the West.
Q: Why did Adenauer step down as Chancellor in 1963?
A: Due to political pressure and growing criticism of his leadership, including his handling of the Berlin Wall and domestic issues.
What was the Der Spiegel Affair?
1962 arrest of multiple Der Spiegel journalists - Adenauer stepped down as a result.
How many elections did Adenauer win?
4 (1949, 1953, 1957 and 1961)
What is a VEB?
State owned industry in the DDR that neglected consumer goods
What is a LPG?
State owned farms in the DDR (85% by 1961)
How is “Ich bin Ein Berliner” significant?
1963 speech by Kennedy standing with Berliners
What was the DDR successful in?
Agriculture - it was leading among the satellite states.
