Disagreements over Germany including Bizonia. Flashcards
What decision did the three Western allies make in June 1948 regarding the currency in Trizonia?
They created a single currency, the Deutschmark, to give Trizonia economic unity, which the Soviets opposed as it created a separate economic unit from the East and accepted the division of Germany into the West and East.
How did the Western allies respond to the Soviets’ lack of cooperation regarding Germany?
The British and Americans combined their zones into ‘Bizonia’ in 1947, and in March 1948, the French added theirs to create ‘Trizonia’, splitting Germany and Berlin into two parts:
- western Trizonia and eastern Soviet-controlled Germany.
Why was Stalin furious about the introduction of the Deutschmark in Trizonia?
Stalin saw it as a means of developing the three Western zones more effectively and deliberately forcing the Soviet zone into poverty, further reinforcing his determination to protect Soviet interests in Germany.
What was Stalin’s belief regarding Germany’s political status?
Stalin believed Germany should be one united country and follow communist ideology.
What were the main disagreements between the occupying powers regarding Germany?
The Soviets wanted to take as much material as possible back to help rebuild the Soviet Union, while the Western countries wanted to build up Germany’s economy, hoping it would become a better trading partner and resist communism.
What happened in December 1947 regarding talks between the foreign ministers of the occupying powers?
Talks broke down, and the Soviets stormed out.
