Political Nature of FRG after Adenauer (1963-89)

Question 1

Name the 5 chancellors that succeeded Adenauer after 1963 (include dates and political party)

Answer 1

1) Ludwig Erhard 1963-66 CDU/CSU
2) Kurt Kiesinger 1966-69 CDU/CSU
3) Willy Brandt 1969-74 SPD
4) Helmut Schmidt 1974-1982 SPD
5) Helmut Kohl 1982-98 CDU/CSU

Question 2

Were the chancellors after Adenauer also able to form majority governments? If not, how did did they govern?

Answer 2

Erhard = Coalition government with the SPD
Keisinger = ‘Grand Coalition’ with SPD Brandt as vice chancellor
Brandt = SPD/FDP coalition gov
Schmidt and Kohl no coalitions(double check this)

Question 3

What political divisions began to emerge under Chancellor Erhard?

Answer 3

Between politicians - some wanted to continue establishing relations with West(“the Atlantacists”), others wanted to work more closely with GDR (“the Gaullists”)

Question 4

What was controversial about Chancellor Keisinger?

Answer 4

First Chancellor to adopt policy of Ostpolitik - rejecting Hallstein Doctrine

Question 5

Why did Chancellor Brandt face opposition from people within government?

Answer 5

Due to his policies regarding Ostpolitik and other liberal measures such as decriminalisation of homosexuality

Question 6

What forced Chancellor Schmidt to resign in 1982?

Answer 6

A “vote of no confidence” in the Bundestag.

Question 7

What political party became increasingly popular in the 1980’s?

Answer 7

The Green Party

Question 8

Describe the nature of political instability in the FRG after Adenauer (1963-89)

Answer 8

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