West Germany

Question 1

Creation of the FRG:

Answer 1

23 May 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany was established on the territory on the Western occupied zones

Bonn was its “provisional” capital

Comprised the area of nearly 11 newly formed states

Allied with the US, UK and France

Western capitalist country with a “social market economy”

Question 2

When was the Federal Republic declared ‘fully sovereign’?

Answer 2

5 May 1955

Question 3

Why did Adenauer stay in power for so long?

Answer 3

Adenauer’s personal role

Strengths of the CDU

Support of other parties

Weaknesses of the SPD opposition

Foreign policy successes

The discrediting of extremism

Question 4

Successes of Adenauer’s foreign policy:

Answer 4

Highly successful in integrating Germany with her Western European neighbours, especially the French, the Netherlands and Belgium as shown from the formation of the OEEC

Policy of integrating with Western Europe, GB and the USA boosted trade and helped to secure Marshall Aid, contributing to economic miracle

Managed to restore Germany’s international reputation after atrocities of Nazi period

Succeeded in isolating the GDR through the Hallstein Doctrine

Question 5

Why did West Germany enjoy an economic miracle between 1949-63?

Answer 5

Currency reform and low inflation

Rebuilding of Germany’s industrial base

Ludwig Erhard (economics minister)

Marshall Plan

Recovery of world trade

Good labour relations

Immigration

Agricultural efficiency

Political stability

Question 6

What was the basic law?

Answer 6

West Germany’s codified constitution

Question 7

What was in the basic law?

Answer 7

Constitutional guarantee of basic rights

Emphasis on parliamentary rather than direct democracy

Constitutional guarantee of party pluralism

Ban on “extreme” parties

5% rule

Limiting Presidents powers to “figurehead” role

Making it harder for a chancellor to be dismissed