Key Question 5: West and East Germany 1949-1961 Flashcards
Who controlled West Germany
Britain, France and the USA
When and did West Germany join together and into what?
Amalgamation in 1949 into the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)
What were the key policies of West Germany?
Capitalism and Democracy
What examples of foreign relations were felt by West Germany?
OEEC- organisation of the Marshall Plan
ECSC (1951)- encouraged the trade of Coal and Steel with France, Holland, Belgium and Italy.
Who controlled East Germany?
The USSR and Dictator, Stalin
What was East Germany named?
the German Democratic Republic.
What were the key policies of East Germany?
Limited Freedom, Comunism
How did the USSR reuse concentration camps?
Incarceration of political opponents.
Who was the first Chancellor of West Germany?
Chancellor Adenauer
What did Chancellor Adenauer want to change in West Germany?
Complete Denazification, restored economy and to work towards independence.
Who were the main parties in West Germany?
Christian Democrats and Social Democrats
What was West Germany’s ‘economic miracle’?
Almost full employment, low inflation and high productivity.
Who was Erhard?
One of early West Germany’s Economic Ministers.
What did Erhard do?
Stabilized the economy via a strong central bank and new currency. There was a huge demand for goods and therefore high employment.
What did West Germany become famous for?
Their Motorcar industry and therefore becoming one of the world’s leading economies.
What did Communism mean for East Germany?
No ability to earn wealth and therefore you were provided for by a government allowance.
How was East Germany governed?
A One Party State- no free elections and police stationed at polling stations to maintain order
What were the Stasi?
A secretive force in East Germany that would spy by reading post or taping phone calls. Neighbours would spy on one another and all parties had to have government officials attend.
What modes of transport were available in East Germany?
Mopeds as getting a car was too difficult.
What happened to western Television in East Germany?
The government attempted to block it however secret antenna’s gave some people access to it.
What did East Germany’s government encourage?
Large families with loans and additional money given to families with more children.
How much did East Germany produce?
20% of that of West Germany
Why did East Germany produce less than West Germany?
Worker strikes
Between 1949- 1961 how many people moved to West Germany from East Germany?
3.5 million East Germans
