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This book covers the years, 1945-63 which witnessed th total defeat of the Third Reich, the occupation a nd evolution of the German Federal Republic and German Democratic Republic. The impact of the occupation is analysed, as are the events leading to the division of Germany. Politics, economic history and social and cultural change in both Germanys are fully explored. Thus in the FRG the nature of Adenauer's success in creating a parliamentary democracy is analysed, as is the West German 'economic miracle'.There is also a chapter specifically on social and cultural developments i nthe FRG. The GDR is treated equally comprehensively with particular attention being paid to the Socialist Unity Party and how it was able to dominate the GDR and survive the riots of 17-18 June 1953. The events leading up to the construction of the Berlin Wall are also carefully covered. In the Conclusion a comparative summary of the two German states is made in the light of key themes.
List of contents
Part 1 The Background; Chapter 1 Plans and Reality: The Allies and Germany, 1943–45; Part 2 The Occupation, 1945–49; Chapter 2 Allied Occupation Policy, August 1945–December 1947; Chapter 3 The Division of Germany; Part 3 The Cold War and the Two Germanies, 1949–63; Chapter 4 Two Rival States; Part 4 Reconstruction and Consolidation: The FRG, 1949–63; Chapter 5 Politics: Developing a Democracy; Chapter 6 The West German ‘Economic Miracle’, 1948–63; Chapter 7 Social and Cultural Developments, 1949–63; Part 5 The GDR from Its Foundation to the Berlin Wall, 1949–61; Chapter 8 Political Developments in the GDR, 1949–61; Chapter 9 The Economy in the GDR, 1948–61; Chapter 10 Socialism and the East German People; Part 6 Assessment; Chapter 11 Germany from Defeat to Part Ition: A Retrospective ViewPart 7 Documents;
About the author
Williamson, D.G.
Summary
How did Germany survive World War Two? Focusing on the dramatic events leading to the division of Germany and the impact of the Allied occupation on the country, D.G. Williamson traces the domestic history of the two Germanies and their position in the rival Cold War blocs.
