Federal Republic of Germany 1949-1989

Question 1

government structure

Answer 1

• Basic Law 1949: established a federal parliamentary democracy with a strong emphasis on human rights and the rule of law
• Federal president: ceremonial head of state, elected by a Federal Convention
• Federal Chancellor: head of government, elected by the Bundestag, responsible for setting government policy
• Bundestag: lower house of parliament, elected every 4 years through a mixed-member PR system
• Bundesrat: upper house representing the Lander, with member appointed by state governments
• universal suffrage 18+

Question 2

key politicians

Answer 2

• Adenauer (CDU): Chancellor (1949-63), focused on alignment with the West, NATO membership and economic recovery
• Erhard (CDU): Chancellor (1963-66) known for “economic miracle” and social market economy
• Brandt (SPD): Chancellor (1969-74), implemented Ostpolitik, improving relations with East Germany and Eastern Bloc countries
• Schmidt (SPD): Chancellor (1974-82) managed economic challenges and domestic terrorism
• Kohl (CDU): Chancellor (1982-98) oversaw German reunification in 89

Question 3

opposition

Answer 3

• political opposition was institutionalised within the democratic framework; parties like the SDP and FDP played active roles in the Bundestag
• KPD organised communist demonstrations due to not being able to win enough Bundestag seats
• APO (extra-parliamentary opposition): left-wing intellectuals
• SDS (German Socialist Student Union)- directed protests at various human rights and moral issues, Vietnam war, nuclear weapons, former Nazis holding office
• Red Army Faction (RAF) terrorist organisation

Question 4

control

Answer 4

• Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution monitored extremist groups
• Basic Law allowed for the banning of political parties deemed a threat to democracy
• 5% rule meant small parties could not gain seats in Bundestag without 5% of votes
• BND set up in 1956 to investigate people working against the Basic Law
• Emergency Law passed in 1968 allowed BND more powers of control and BEFA gave BND centralised access to all police information

Question 5

consent

Answer 5

• high levels of voter turnout in elections (only time less than 84% was in 1949)
• support for democratic institutions- demonstrations often against things that undermined the Basic Law and civil liberties

Question 6

economic policies

Answer 6

• social market economy: combined free-market capitalism with social polices to ensure fair competition and social welfare
• currency reform (1948): introduction of the Deutsche Mark stabilised the economy and curbed inflation
• marshal Plan Aid: received significant financial assistance from the US, facilitating reconstruction and growth

Question 7

economic challenges and responses

Answer 7

• reconstruction: post-war rebuilding led to rapid industrial growth, known as the Wirtschaftswunder (economic miracle)
• labour shortages: addressed by recruiting Gastarbeiter (guest workers) from countries like Turkey and Italy
• Oil Crises (1973 & 1979): led to inflation and economic slowdown; the government implemented energy-saving measures and sought alternative energy sources
• Federal Cartel Office: ensured fair competition and prevented monopolies
• Co-determination Laws: allowed workers to participate in company management decisions, promoting industrial harmony

Question 8

role of women

Answer 8

post-war reconstruction:
- women, known as Trümmerfrauen (rubble women), played a crucial role in rebuilding Germany after WWII
legal and social changes:
- the Basic Law of 1949 guaranteed equal rights for men and women
- traditional gender roles persisted, with women often expected to focus on family and home
workforce participation:
- economic growth led to increased demand for layout, drawing more women into employment
- by the 1970s the feminist movement gained momentum, advocating for greater rights and opportunities

Question 9

cultural developments

Answer 9

freedom and democracy:
- FRG embraced democratic values, leading to a flourishing of diverse cultural expressions
art and literature:
- artists and writers explored themes of guilt, memory and identity, often reflection on Nazi past
media and film:
- the film industry produced works addressing contemporary issues and historical reflection
youth and counterculture:
- 1960s and 1970s saw the rise of student movements and countercultural expressions challenging traditional norms

Question 10

education

Answer 10

reforms and modernisation:
- education reforms aimed to democratise and modernise the system, promoting critical thinking and civic responsibility
curriculum changes:
- inclusion of comprehensive studies on the Nazi era and the Holocaust to ensure historical awareness
higher education:
- expansion of universities and increased access to higher education for a broader segment of the population

Question 11

attitudes towards ethnic minorities

Answer 11

Guest workers (Gastarbeiter):
- supported economic growth, from countries like Italy or Turkey
- by 1964 there were 1 million guest workers in West Germany
integration challenges:
- guest workers often faced social integration challenges and were initially expected to return tp their home countries
policy developments:
- over time, policies evolved to support the integration of immigrants and their families into German society
minority rights:
- FRG’s commitment to human rights led tp increased protections and anti-discrimination measures for ethnic minorities