To what extent did Adenauer create a stable political base for the FRG?

Question 1

CDU dominance + strong leadership

Answer 1

• leadership 1949-63: central to political stability, party CDU (Christian Dem Union): maintained clear electoral dominance, won 139 seats in 1949, rose to 270 seats by 1957, often formed effective coalitions; personally embodied stability + anti-communism, branded CDU protector of Western democracy; used popularity to rebuild national confidence + marginalise political extremism + push policies (1951 Co-determination Law enhanced worker-employer coop)
• introduction of 5% electoral threshold: helped prevent extremist fragmentation, Adenauer’s cabinet = marked by continuity, authoritarian leadership (forcing through laws, marginalising opposition like SPD) created some criticism -> Spiegel Affair 1962 BUT largely effective in stabilising young republic

Question 2

Institutional stability + alignment w/ West

Answer 2

• Adenauer foreign policy: supported political stability, committed to ‘Westbindung’ (binding to west) -> ensure security + prosperity
• joining NATO 1955 + EEC (European Econ Community) 1957: aligned FRG w/ capitalist democracies + distanced from instability of interwar nationalism/weimar isolationism
• domestically: fostered trust in new dem institutions e.g. Basic Law: guaranteed civil liberties + human rights (contrast w nazi) + banned the SRP (neo-nazi party) + KPD (communist party) => safeguarding political centre
  => built ideological consensus around anti-extremism + integration w Europe; laid foundation for dem continuity

Question 3

Underlying instabilities + authoritarian concerns

Answer 3

• stability masked underlying fragilities: reliance on former Nazis in gov (esp judiciary + civil service) - raised concerns ab genuine dem reform
• 1950 Reinstatement Law -> allowed ex-nazis to resume positions => discontent among younger Germans
• centralisation of power e.g. merging residency + chancellorship 1959 before backing out, hints at quasi-authoritarian techniques
• little room for opposition esp w/ SPD until Godesberg reform (embracing liberal socialism, supporting regulated market, emphasis on social welfare): allow to enter mainstream politics
• Spiegel Affair 1962: gov raided critical newspaper revealed limits to press freedom + triggered major public backlash => Adenauer approach may be overly paternalistic + unsustainable long-term