the USA's involvement in Europe -> US attitudes to Germany and Berlin Flashcards
what happened to the British and American occupation zones in January 1947?
The British and American occupation zones were merged into a single zone known as Bizonia in January 1947
- reinforced the indication that the USA was interested in creating a clearly defined West German state
what was decided in February 1948?
In February 1948, the decision was taken to introduce a new currency into the Western zones of Germany and Berlin
- formally activated in June
- had immediate consequences as the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on Berlin
how did the Marshall Plan mark a significant shift in US policy towards Germany and Berlin?
it suggested that the USA recognised that a strong German economy was fundamental to the development of European economic recovery
- Germany now assumed a centrality in the USA’s relationship with Europe
how did Andrei Zhadov describe the USA’s intention to construct a Western bloc in November 1947?
In November 1947, Andrei Zhadov referred to the USA’s intention to construct a ‘Western bloc’ with Germany at its centre ‘as an American protectorate’
what conclusion did the London Conference reach by June 1948?
By June 1948, the London Conference concluded that Germany should have its own Constituent Assembly
- The US State Department noted that ‘the London agreements mark the first, broad, constructive step toward the resolution of the German problem since Potsdam’
did Kennan believe the Marshall plan would free the US from long-term dependency on Germany?
No, Kennan was wary of the USA assuming a heavy burden of responsibility for the future development and success of the Western zones economies
- for Kennan, a united Germany would be a much more viable entity
what 3 reasons suggest that it as becoming increasingly clear that the view of policymakers in Washington was that a divided Germany was more preferable?
- The Moscow Council of Foreign Ministers broke up, having failed to reach any firm agreement on a peace treaty with Germany
- By May, the USA increased the responsibility of Germans in Bizonia for their own economic development
- Coal production was made the responsibility of the Germans by September 1947
what was the rationale underpinning the notion of a reunified Germany?
- a reunified Germany might become too powerful through the manipulation of western and eastern powers
- Germany might align itself with the USSR esp if the communist influence already present assumed greater power
- the extent of American influence could be undermined as Germany developed a degree of economic dominance that would ensure its independence.
overall, what was the benefit of the development of a West Germany economic recovery?
it would be more manageable and therefore ensure US influence in Europe as a whole more easily
