FRG Flashcards
(96 cards)
0
Q
Negative effects of economic growth in FRG?
A
- increased gap between rich and poor, masked by an increase in wages
- creation of an underclass/gasterbeiter (made up of souther European immigrants who made up 10% of workforce by 1966)
- tendency to forget the past
1
Q
What were the positive effects of economic growth in the FRG?
A
400% increase in wages Increased number of consumer luxuries Improvements in international relationships Integration of refugees Increased democratisation
2
Q
What was Stalin’s reunification proposal to the FRG?
A
The proposal to create a neutral, unified Germany that would be entirely democratic, would have no reparations and be allowed a small army
3
Q
Why did Stalin make the reunification proposal to the FRG?
A
He feared that if the FRG joined NATO it would further hamper the expansion of communism as the FRG were a successful economy
4
Q
Why did the FRG reject Stalin’s reunification proposal?
A
- they didn’t believe Stalin would keep to his promise of a democratic, neutral state
- they feared the international response to the FRG dealing with the East
- they feared the SPD would take over Germany dominated by Protestants
5
Q
How and why was NATO formed?
A
- The Brussels’ Pact of 1948 created the European Defence Organisation that began by fighting the resurgence of Germany but then began fighting communism
- The USA wanted to get involved but feared risking their armed forces whilst having little influence in a European organisation
- Thus, in 1949, NATO was formed and the EDO was absorbed into it
6
Q
How did the FRG end up joining NATO?
A
- They wanted to join but the French did not and created an alternative, the European Defence Community (they didnt trust the FRG and feared excessive American influence)
- The FRG agreed to a treaty in 1952 but the EDC never came into effect
- the FRG eventually joined NATO in 1955 on the French premise of a limited army and no nuclear threat
7
Q
How, why and when did the FRG join the ‘coal and steel community’
A
- joined following the 1951 ‘Treaty of Paris’
- allowed the FRG to exploit new and emerging markets
- acted as a peace treaty between the FRG and France
8
Q
When did West Germany join the International Monetary Fund?
A
1952
9
Q
When did the FRG join the European Economic Community
A
1957, following the ‘Treaty of Rome’
10
Q
How did the FRG joining the EEC show a change in foreign policy?
A
Before, the FRG promoted US involvement in Europe but siding with the Gaullist French in the EEC excluded America
Went on to vetoe British acceptance to the EEC
11
Q
How did the CDU/CSU last so long in power?
A
- removal of political extremes
- broadening of CDU/CSU’s appeal
- 5% law
12
Q
How did the CDU/CSU remove extremist parties?
A
As part of the new constitution/ basic law (1949), Germany could ban anti-democratic parties
- thus, in 1952, the SRP was banned and in 1956, the KPD was banned
13
Q
How did the CDU/CSU remove small minority parties?
A
As part of 1949 basic law, parties had to achieve at least 5% of the vote to be represented
14
Q
How did the removal of small minority parties and the political extremes help the stability of CDU control?
A
Left only 3 parties remaining so strong and stable coalitions could be formed and no indecision due to minor parties
15
Q
How did the CDU/CSU broaden their appeal?
A
- Made the party Christian rather than Catholic to appeal to Protestant minority as well as Catholics (also to avoid division in Germany)
- wide range of political policies helped to attract former nazi members
- strong appeal towards refugees left the BHE with less than 5% of the vote and thus no representation
16
Q
What were Adenauer’s strengths as a leader?
A
- very pragmatic leadership -party motto: “no experiments”- put welfare of German people ahead of ideological beliefs
- great supporter of democracy
- very practical leadership: appointed ex-nazis into his government if he thought they could help
17
Q
How did the CDU/CSU deal with the need to reconstruct housing?
A
They implemented the 1950 ‘construction law’ in which they provided generous subsidies to the construction industry
18
Q
How successful was the 1950 construction law?
A
Created 4 million new dwellings by 1957
19
Q
How did the CDU/CSU deal with the need to compensate the victims of the nazis?
A
The 1953 equalisation of burdens act compensated those most affected by the war
It was financed by taxes and levies on those least affected
20
Q
How did the CDU/CSU deal with the need for economic growth?
A
- released control on prices to allow competitiveness
- cut tax dramatically: 95% tax bracket moved up from 6000DM income to 25000DM income & those on 2400DM or lower had tax cut from 84% to 18%
- Marshall aid rejuvenated industry
- trade blocs such as coal and steel community and later the EEC
21
Q
How did the CDU/CSU deal with the need for welfare reform?
A
1957 ‘pensions act’ created index linked pensions and increased initial pensions by 60-75%
22
Q
How did the CDU/CSU deal with the need to clarify the role of the armed forces
A
- Following the FRG’s acceptance into the EDC, they needed to create an army to combat communism
- The Bundeswehr (people’s army) was created in 1957
- To appease the French, the Bundeswehr had heavy restrictions and the FRG had no nuclear threat
23
Q
Was there opposition to the creation of the Bundeswehr?
A
- The SPD heavily protested the creation of the army as they were anti-war
- Many civilians detested the army and the reminder of the pain of men in uniform brought about with the nazis and in world war 2
- As time passed, there was less and less opposition to the army as people saw it as protecting the people
24
How did the CDU/CSU deal with the need to clarify the direction of foreign policy?
- a strong sense of 'westpolitik' with the joining of the 'coal and steel community' and the EDC (later NATO)
- the 1955 Halstein doctrine was a very anti communist statement
25
How did the CDU/CSU deal with former Nazis?
- they aimed to reintegrate them into society and tried to help society forgive and forget the past
- CDU/CSU even appointed some former nazis into their government
26
What was 'co-determination'?
The right of workers in an industry to have a say in the management of companies
27
What was the social market economy?
A free market economy but the state could intervene to protect consumers if needs be
28
How did the Korean War (1950) affect FRG economic growth?
- Increased the demand for German exports and got German industry moving
- increased the number of imports Germany had to make
- this led to a balance of payments deficit however got German industry rolling again
29
How did the FRG work creation schemes affect economic growth
Reduced the number of unemployment slightly that was at 8.1% in 1950
30
How did the FRG '1951 investment aid law' affect the economy?
3.2bn DM invested into industry helped to create new jobs, modernise capital and increase output
31
How did the FRG change in tariffs affect the economy?
Cut protective tariffs by 50% to increase the level of international trade
32
How did the FRG scheme of co-determination benefit the economy?
The right of workers to be part of the management of companies created a greater sense of unity, pleased unions and lowered the wage demands of workers
33
How did Erhard's price decontrol laws affect the economy?
1948 price decontrols allowed greater competitiveness of firms following price controls from 1936
34
How did Erhard's tax cuts benefit the Economy?
In 1949, tax was cut heavily
Eg. 95% tax bracket rose from earners of 6000DM to 25000DM
Tax rate moved down from 84% to 18% for people earning 2400DM or lower
-this led to increased demand for goods and services and encouraged workers to work more hours to make more money, which increased output
35
How did the restructuring of trade unions affect the FRG economy?
Each industry had one trade union, all under the umbrella organisation of the DGB
This created a greater sense of unity and led to one of the lowest strike rates in Europe, resulting in greater efficiency
36
How did the FRG reconstruction programme affect the economy?
1950 construction programme created 4 million new dwellings by 1957
This increased German standard of living and increased demand for other goods in the economy
37
How did the state of natural and human resources in the FRG affect the economy?
- FDR already had an abundance of natural resources eg. Rhineland
- In 1939, German output was 2nd largest in the world
- In 1951, price of raw materials dropped heavily, allowing German industry to boom
- majority of successful German infrastructure remained in tact
- -it could be argued that due to the German state of natural resources, economic growth was inevitable
38
How did the lack of FRG spending on rearmament affect the economy?
It allowed them to invest their money elsewhere in improving their economies whilst other nations had to spend money on defence
39
How did the Coal & Steel community benefit the FRG economy
- Allowed the FRG to exploit new and expanding markets and improve international trade relationships with foreign nations
- Removed tariffs and created a free labour market
40
What was Willy Brandt's job before he was chancellor
He was the mayor of West Berlin during the construction of the Berlin Wall
41
What was Brandt's opinion on Adenauer?
He was shocked and disappointed at the amount of time it took Adenauer to visit W. Berlin following the construction of the wall
42
What was Brandt's aim in respect to the division of Germany?
He wanted to reduce the negative effects of the division of Germany
43
Why was 'ostpolitik' able to happen?
Due to the thawing of superpower relationships following the Cuban Missile Crisis in 1962, and the consequential international policy of détente.
44
How did the FRG go about achieving Ostpolitik?
Through a process called "rapprochement" which was improving relationships through diplomacy and agreement rather than through force
45
What was the 'Treaty of Moscow', and when was it?
1970- The FRG and USSR agreed to accept each others borders and to not claim land from one another
46
What was the 'Treaty of Warsaw' and when was it?
1970- The FRG agreed to accept the border between the GDR and Poland; the 'Oder-Neisse line' and agreed not to request any land that Poland claimed from Germany following the second world war
47
What was the 'Four Power Treaty' and when was it?
1971- allowed West Berlin citizens to visit East Germany in order to see friends and family etc.
48
What was the 'Basic Treaty' and when was it?
1972- Agreed for there to be normal relations between the FRG and GDR and for them to recognise each other
49
What was the East German reaction to ostpolitik, and what is an example of this reaction?
A very positive and enthusiastic reaction
-This is shown by when Willy Brandt visited the GDR in 1970 and he was greatly supported by the East German crowd
50
What was the West German reaction to ostpolitik, and what is an example of this?
Overall, there was public support for 'Ostpolitik'
-This is displayed by Willy Brandt being re-elected in 1972
-However, some of the German public disagreed with the Treaty of Warsaw as they felt it accepted the loss of land and property to Poland
51
What was the West German opinion on reunification and division- according to the opinion polls- following Ostpolitik
opinion polls showed a gradual acceptance of division, and a gradual increase in opposition to reunification
52
What were the impacts of ostpolitik?
- Created the foundations of improved diplomatic and democratic relationships and developments
- Helped to thaw many cold war conflicts
- Reduced the fear of a conflict over West Berlin
- Increased international recognition of the GDR
- Allowed the FRG and GDR to join the UN in 1973
53
When did the FRG and GDR join the UN?
1973
54
Despite the 1972 Basic Treaty, How did the FRG show they wanted reunification with the GDR? (5)
- Still did not officially accept the GDR as a separate foreign state under international law
- East German citizens could automatically claim West German citizenship
- Neither side had official ambassadors for each other; just representatives
- FRG still stated in it's constitution that it was dedicated towards reunification
- Willy Brandt stated that he believed Ostpolitik would go to undermine the GDR's position
55
Positive impacts of Ostpolitik?
- Even during heightened cold war tensions, the FRG and GDR kept a close, and healthy, relationship
- Gave GDR significant economic advantage- They received 15Bn DM in loans from the FRG from 1972-1989
56
Negative impacts of Ostpolitik
- Two very different Germanys became increasingly distinct of each other
- Division became the status quo
57
Despite Ostpolitik, why was there tension between the FRG and GDR?
- FRG continued to criticise GDR government
- Both sides continued to prepare for nuclear war with the construction of a nuclear shelter in West Berlin in 1973 that could house 27,000 people
58
What were Willy Brandt's main spending increases on during his tenure in 1969-1974?
- Pensions were raised by 5%
- Sickness benefits were raised by 9.5%
- Spending on education and scientific research raised by 500%
59
What were Willy Brandt's main changes in laws relating to age during his tenure 1969-1974?
- Lowered the voting age to 18
| - Raised the compulsory education leaving age to 16
60
Was Brandt re-elected in 1972?
Yes, with 45.8% of the vote- A large percentage of the vote
61
What did Brandt's re-election in 1972?
There was a majority of support for his policy of Ostpolitik
62
What was Willy Brandt's most successful personal achievement?
Winning the Nobel Peace prize in 1971
63
What were the main economic problems within Willy Brandt's chancellorship (1969-1974)?
- Growing inflation and unemployment
| - The 1973 Oil Crisis: led to growing unemployment and a large strike of the trade unions in 1974
64
What were the main political problems during Willy Brandt's chancellorship?
- Some anger and dissent towards 'Ostpolitik' and particularly the 'Treaty of Warsaw', as they felt the FRG were signing off their land to Poland
- Divisions within the coalition over how to deal with the troubled economy: Left wing wanted to increase spending whilst Right wing wanted austerity
- Brandt almost lost vote of no confidence in 1972, which he only survived by two votes (which were later found to be bribed votes)
65
What was the main social issue during Willy Brandt's chancellorship 1969-1974?
The wave of communist terrorism that spread through the FRG from 1970-1972
66
How and why did Willy Brandt lose power?
He resigned in 1974 following the discovery that his close associate, Gunter Guillame, was a GDR spy
67
How did the unemployment figures in the FRG change from 1973 to 1975 (coinciding with the oil crisis)
- 400,000 in 1973
| - 1 million in 1975
68
How did the cost of imports change from 1970-1973?
- Price of non-oil commodities rose by 70%
- Price of food rose by 100%
- Price of oil rose by 100% at end of 1973
69
When and what was the 'Oil Crisis'?
1973, the 'Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries' (OPEC) decided to double the price of oil
70
How did the 1973 Oil Crisis affect the FRG's spending?
-They had to spend 17Bn DM more on oil
71
How did the 1973 Oil Crisis affect people living in the FRG
- Led to increased unemployment due to an increase in the costs of production (from 400,000 in 1973 -- 1 million in 1975)
- Led to a temporary ban on driving on sundays
72
What happened in 1978-1979 in regards to the Oil Crisis
- The crisis appeared to be easing in 1978
| - However, following the Iranian revolution and the fall of the Shah in 1979, the price of oil rose by 150%
73
What was the Baader-Meinhof group?
The most violent youth organisation in the FRG- resorted to arson and assassination
74
What was the most violent youth organisation in the FRG?
The Baader-Meinhof group- resorted to arson and assassination
75
How did Willy Brandt attempt to deal with the Baader-Meinhof group?
- In 1972, tightened regulations on ownership of arms and ammunition
- 150,000 police hired in trying to track down the gang
76
What was the PLO (Palestinian Liberation Organisation's) role in the FRG?
- Attacked a plane in Munich in 1971 resulted in 1 death and 11 injuries
- Responsible for the murder of 11 Israeli athletes at the 1972 Munich Olympics
- Links with the Baader-Meinhof gang
77
Who were the Baader Meinhof gang linked to?
The PLO
78
Why was there a fear of a resurgence in Nazism in the FRG?
-in 1983, the Neo-Nazi 'Republikaner Party' was formed and went on to gain representation in the European and West German courts
79
Why was there a fear of a communist resurgence in the FRG?
- A new communist party was formed in 1969 called the DKP and was backed by the GDR
- However, it was always on the periphery and only gained 50,000 supporters
80
When and why did the FRG Green Party become popular
- Entered the Bundestag (surpassing the 5% threshold) in 1983
- The main opposition to the FRG's nuclear programme
81
What was the FRG stance on the Middle East?
Established full diplomatic relations with Israel in 1965, and generally supported the Israeli position in the middle east
82
What was the state of FRG-GDR trade?
- Trade was generally strong as 'Inter-German trade' did not incur any taxes or tariffs as it was categorised as domestic trade
- This allowed the GDR to become an unofficial member of the EEC due to its links with the FRG
83
What was the impact of Ludwig Erhard?
- Was responsible for the creation of the Social-Market economy
- Introduced work creation schemes
- Responsible for the 1950 Housing act
84
When did the FRG become entirely independent?
In 1954, the Allied High Commission was abolished
| -->A year later, the FRG became an independent state
85
What is a sign of Adenauer's popularity?
In 1957, Adenauer's CDU party became the only party in German history to gain an overall majority in the Bundestag
86
Why did Adenauer leave power?
- The ban of the KPD in 1956 was seen as overly restrictive and resembled Nazi behaviour
- The 'Spiegel affair' of 1962, where journalists from the Spiegel newspaper were arrested for criticising the FRG armed forces became a major scandal and eventually forced Adenauer to resign
87
What is some support for the fear of becoming an American puppet amongst FRG citizens?
-FRG soldiers were not allowed in West Berlin as it was protected by allied troops
88
When did the FRG implement compulsory military service?
1955
89
When was Helmut Kohl the chancellor of the FRG?
1982-1998
| was the chancellor of the unified Germany as well
90
What were some of Helmut Kohl's beneficial policies? (5)
- He criticised the "two-thirds society" in which two thirds were long term unemployed and the rest had a relatively high standard of living
- He cut government spending in many areas but kept welfare spending high
- Benefitted from the fall in oil prices in the 1980's which helped to boost the economy
- Continued the policy of Ostpolitik with Honecker visiting the FRG in 1987
91
What were some of Kohl's negative moments as chancellor?
-High level of corruption within his government, and by 1989 it was looking as though he may have to resign
92
How did Chancellor Kohl impact the reunification process?
November 1989: the creation of the 'Ten-Point Plan' which had policies such as better economic aid to the GDR, better postal services and reunification
93
What was the economic unification treaty?
-The economic union- On July 1, 1990, the Deutschmark became the single currency for both the FRG and GDR, whilst GDR citizens were able to exchange the East German mark at a 1-to-1 rate
94
What was the allied treaty for reunification?
- The FRG and GDR did not have the power to unify without allied agreement
- The "Two plus Four" agreements discussed the reunification and in May 1990, reunification was agreed
95
When was the final reunification decision made?
The final treaty was signed on 31 August 1990
