Divided Germany – The Federal Republic and the DDR (1949–1963)

Question 1

When and why was Germany split into two states?

Answer 1

In 1949 due to Cold War tensions; FRG in the West (capitalist) and GDR in the East (communist).

Question 2

What was the impact of Germany’s division?

Answer 2

Created two rival states, deepening East-West conflict and splitting families, politics, and economies.

Question 3

How did the Basic Law aim to improve on the Weimar Constitution?

Answer 3

Strong chancellor, limited proportional representation, 5% vote threshold to avoid extremism and instability.

Question 4

How democratic was the Basic Law?

Answer 4

Very—it ensured checks and balances, free elections, and protection of rights.

Question 5

Who became the first Chancellor of the FRG in 1949?

Answer 5

Konrad Adenauer (CDU).

Question 6

What was the significance of the 1949 election?

Answer 6

Marked the start of stable, conservative-led government and West German recovery.

Question 7

What factors led to the economic miracle?

Answer 7

Marshall Aid, Korean War, currency reform and Erhard’s Social Market Economy.

Question 8

What were the results of the economic miracle?

Answer 8

High employment, rapid industrial growth, and international respect.

Question 9

How politically stable was West Germany?

Answer 9

Very stable; CDU dominance, no extremist threats, strong democracy.

Question 10

How socially stable was West Germany?

Answer 10

High living standards and public support for democracy.

Question 11

Why did West Germany join NATO in 1955?

Answer 11

For security and integration with the West during the Cold War.

Question 12

What was the Hallstein Doctrine?

Answer 12

West Germany refused to recognise the GDR or any state that did.

Question 13

When was the EEC formed and why was it important to West Germany?

Answer 13

1957; boosted trade and economic cooperation, helped West Germany grow.

Question 14

What was West Germany’s relationship with the USA like?

Answer 14

Strong alliance, supported by Marshall Aid and military protection.

Question 15

How did West Germany interact with the USSR?

Answer 15

Cold and antagonistic; refused to recognise GDR.

Question 16

Why was the Berlin Wall built?

Answer 16

To stop East Germans escaping to the West.

Question 17

What was the impact of the Berlin Wall?

Answer 17

Cemented division of Germany; symbol of Cold War tension.

Question 18

What was the Der Spiegel Crisis?

Answer 18

Government raid on a critical magazine in 1962, seen as anti-democratic.

Question 19

What was the political impact of the crisis?

Answer 19

Undermined Adenauer’s authority and contributed to his resignation.

Question 20

What was West Germany like by 1963?

Answer 20

Stable, wealthy, democratic, but still divided from East Germany.

Question 21

What political system did East Germany have in 1949?

Answer 21

Communist, one-party state under the SED.

Question 22

Who controlled East Germany?

Answer 22

The SED, supported by the USSR.

Question 23

What caused the 1953 uprising in East Germany?

Answer 23

Increased work quotas and repression.

Question 24

What was the outcome?

Answer 24

Brutally suppressed by Soviet troops—showed fragility of SED rule.

Question 25

What were the economic policies in the GDR?

Answer 25

Heavy industry, collectivisation, and nationalisation.

Question 26

How successful were these policies?

Answer 26

Mixed—some growth but also inefficiency and shortages.

Question 27

What was the goal of land reforms?

Answer 27

Break up large estates and redistribute land.

Question 28

What happened during collectivisation?

Answer 28

Small farms merged into state collectives—resistance and migration followed.

Question 29

Why did East Germany nationalise industry?

Answer 29

To create a centralised, socialist economy.

Question 30

What was the impact?

Answer 30

Greater state control but lack of innovation and shortages.

Question 31

What social policies were introduced in the GDR?

Answer 31

Promoted gender equality, work participation, and education reform.

Question 32

What was the aim of these changes?

Answer 32

To build loyalty to the socialist state and increase productivity.

Question 33

How were churches treated in the GDR?

Answer 33

Marginalised and monitored—seen as opposition.

Question 34

What role did churches play?

Answer 34

Provided some independent resistance to SED control.

Question 35

Were trade unions independent in the GDR?

Answer 35

No—they were controlled by the SED and used for propaganda and control.

Question 36

What changes were made to education?

Answer 36

Focus on Marxist-Leninist ideology and technical skills.

Question 37

What was the FDJ?

Answer 37

The Free German Youth—used to indoctrinate and control young people.