The nature of support for democracy in the FRG 1949-66

Question 1

Was the democratic regime popular?

Answer 1

Yes - widely supported during the period 1949-56 and moderate, centrist politics were popular

Question 2

What led to increased support for the new democratic regime?

Answer 2

• The devastating defeat that fascism had produced

Question 3

What helped bolster support for the regime?

Answer 3

• Successes it had in economic policy
• Support it had from powerful countries such as the USA

Question 4

What evidence is there for high support for the new system?

Answer 4

• High turnouts in elections - generally 80-90% in the FRG
• Lack of support that extremists received

Question 5

Which parties dominated politics in Germany in the years after the establishment of the FRG?

Answer 5

• The CDU and its allied party, the Christian Social Union (CSU)

Question 6

Why did the CDU and CSU received so much widespread support?

Answer 6

• Catholic roots of the CDU and CSU had widespread appeal as 50% of West Germany was Catholic
• Conservative stance appealed to many Protestants too

Question 7

What helped boost support for the CDU/CSU?

Answer 7

• Adenauer’s success in economic policy
• Improved living standards

Question 8

What policies did the CDU adopt to increase popularity?

Answer 8

• Party moved politically to the centre
• Supported the creation of a welfare and a social market economy
  -Pro Western foreign policy - popular

Question 9

What is evidence of support for the CDU increasing?

Answer 9

• Support for the CDU in elections grew from 31% in 1949 to 50.2% by 1957