POLITICAL STABILITY IN THE YEARS 1963 TO 1989 Flashcards
Name the five chancellors that succeeded Adenauer after 1963 (include the dates they were in power, and their political party).
Ludwig Erhard (1963-1966) CDU / CSU Kurt Kiesinger (1966-1969) CDU / CSU Willy Brandt (1969-1974) SPD Helmut Schmidt (1974-1982) SPD
Were the Chancellors after Adenauer also able to form majority governments? If not, how did they govern?
They were not able to form majority governments so they had to form coalition governments to govern.
What political divisions began to emerge under Chancellor Erhard?
Political divisions began to emerge between politicians – some wanted to continue establishing relations with the West (called the “Atlanticists”), and some wanted to work more closely with the GDR (the “Gaullists”).
What was controversial about Chancellor Kiesinger?
Introduced Ospolitik.
His policies caused the economy to downturn.
Why did Chancellor Brandt face opposition from people within government?
Brandt faced opposition due to his policies based on Ostpolitik as well as other liberal measures such as the decriminalisation of homosexuality and the reduction of the voting age to 18 years.
What forced Chancellor Schmidt to resign in 1982?
Due to the construction of the nuclear power plant which led to a “vote of no confidence” October 1982
What political party became increasingly popular in the 1980s?
Green Party?
Describe the nature of political stability in the FRG after Adenauer (1963-1989).
The country became unstable politically as coalition government’s were being formed again.
There was an increase in opposition which led to people using the vote of no confidence to get rid of chancellors.
Government had to interfere with the running of the economy.
