Political Stability Flashcards
1
Q
Impact of the economic miracle
A
- this provided a strong foundation for the FRG’s political stability
- the regime under Adenauer was given credit for the economic miracle
2
Q
Adenauer’s longevity
A
- Adenauer and the CDU won 4 elections
- this illustrates the popularity of Adenauer and the population’s desire for stability
- 1949-63 period is known as the era of ‘chancellor democracy’
- this is because Adenauer had such a prominent role in policy-making
3
Q
Political parties
A
- the small number of dominant political parties helped with stability
- FRG politics were dominated by the CDU between 1949-63
- the SPD was the main rival
- the Bundestag was stopped from being divided by lots of small parties by the strength of the few
4
Q
Lack of opposition
A
- there were very few prominent political parties
- as well as this, extremist parties were banned
- e.g. the Socialist Reich Party and Communist Party
- right-wing parties were absorbed into the CDU, which reduced opposition further
5
Q
1949 elections
A
- 31% of the vote to the CDU, winning them the election
- however, Adenauer struggled to form a government
- one was only formed after weeks of discussion and negotiations
6
Q
1953 elections
A
- CDU vote increased to 45.2%
- economic policies, foreign policies and the rise of anti-communism during the Korean War were all factors which gave the CDU popularity
7
Q
1957 elections
A
- CDU won 50.2% of vote
- economic miracle was the key factor for the win
- the CDU used the slogan ‘No Experiments’, which appealed to political stability
8
Q
1961 elections
A
- CDU vote dropped this election to 45.3%
- this indicates a fall in popularity
