The Western Zone (1945-9)

Question 1

What were problems in the Western Zone following WW2?

Answer 1

• Food and fuel shortages
• Homelessness
• Bereavement
• Integration of soldiers into civilian society
• Refugees
• Dealing with the impact of genocide
• The collapse of the currency

Question 2

How far did Russia, France and the USA agree in 1946?

Answer 2

• The USA drew up plans for German reconstruction but Russia and France disagreed
• France did not want a strong Germany an wanted large reparations; it even annexed the Saar for a short period

Question 3

What were Britain’s problems in 1946-7?

Answer 3

• A severe winter worsened conditions

- A weak British economy, with bread rationing at home, meant Britain was unable to fund its zone

Question 4

What was the state of economic recovery in the Western Zones in 1947?

Answer 4

• By 1947, economic recovery was essential to prevent an economic crisis and social revolution in Western Europe
• Food had to be imported which cost $700 million per year
• The problem was made worse when some industry had been dismantled to pay for reparations and there had been an influx of refugees

Question 5

What year was Bizonia formed?

Answer 5

-In 1947, the British and American zones were merged to form Bizonia

Question 6

When was the Marshall plan applied to the Western Zone?

Answer 6

-In 1948, The Marshall Plan was applied to the Western Zone

Question 7

What was the London Conference?

Answer 7

• It was held between February and June in 1948 and agreed a West German currency and state
• From then onward, Western representatives of the ‘Parliamentary Council’ started to devise a constitution for a new state in the West

Question 8

When was Trizonia formed and what followed?

Answer 8

• France, after initial resistance, joined the British and American zones in Trizonia in 1949
• A new constitution, the Basic Law, was adopted in May 1949, which established a West German state