These revision notes provide an in depth summary of this specific chapter of AQA History in the Study of The quest for political stability: Germany, 1871–1991. They can be used directly as lecture notes or can be reduced further to more of a summary of the topic.
History revision – The Search for Consensus 1963 – 89 (18)
- Adenauer’s resignation signalled the beginning of the end of a period of twenty years
of conservative ascendancy in W Gr politics
o Followed by a period in which political power was shared between the CDU and
the SPD in coalition with the FDP
- From 1969 to 1982, the SPD emerged as the single most dominant party until Schmidt
was unseated by a vote of no confidence
- These years demonstrated that the FRG could operate in conditions of relative stability
under what was in effect a three-party system
- Emergence of the Greens in the 80’s briefly threatened a 4 party system, but support
for the Greens was never strong enough to make them a viable coalition partner
- Although political stability was sustained, this 3 party consensus was challenged by:
o The extra-parliamentary opposition of the 1960’s
o The urban terrorism of the 70’s
o The environmental peace movements of the 1980’s
Ludwig Erhard (CDU) – 1963 – 66
- Initially it seemed Erhard’s intention was to press ahead with few changes of policy or
direction however, events meant this couldn’t happen
- His period as Chancellor is often seen as a relative failure in comparison to his time as
Economics minister
- However, his reputation as ‘father’ of economic miracle and promises to cut income
tax and increase welfare spending ensured CDU/CSU, with FDP, were successful in
1965 election
Problems for Erhard
- Persistent sniping and public criticism from Adenauer (now Party Chairman)
o Was a constant irritant to Erhard, bitter and ungracious in retirement
- Heightening LW student radicalism was also indication that a new political generation
was emerging who wouldn’t allow Erhard in his 1950’s stance
- Emergence of RW National Democratic Party (NPD) threatening an electoral
breakthrough at federal level, also increased political uncertainties
- Economic situation undermined his credibility
o October 1966 – sets out proposals to tackle 1965 economic recession
Was rejected by his FDP coalition partners
- Subsequent resignation of the FDP cabinet ministers effectively ended his
Chancellorship
- Erhard’s damaged legacy and a set of unfortunate circumstances created sufficient
political turbulence to change the mould of W Gr politics
- Erhard resigned in November 1966
George Kiesinger (CDU) – 1966 – 69
- Had been a supporter of Adenauer
- Talented as mediator and conciliator – this brought him to chancellorship
- Grand Coalition which Kiesinger headed was something of convenience between
CDU/CSU and SPD
o CDU/ CSU had 11 ministers and SPD had 9
- Talented coalition and given its unchallengeable majority in Bundestag, Kiesinger’s
role was largely that of mediator and facilitator which he managed with skill
- Chancellorship steered a middle-way between increasing student agitation on left and
rising NPD on right
The benefits of buying summaries with Stuvia:
Guaranteed quality through customer reviews
Stuvia customers have reviewed more than 700,000 summaries. This how you know that you are buying the best documents.
Quick and easy check-out
You can quickly pay through credit card for the summaries. There is no membership needed.
Focus on what matters
Your fellow students write the study notes themselves, which is why the documents are always reliable and up-to-date. This ensures you quickly get to the core!
Frequently asked questions
What do I get when I buy this document?
You get a PDF, available immediately after your purchase. The purchased document is accessible anytime, anywhere and indefinitely through your profile.
Satisfaction guarantee: how does it work?
Our satisfaction guarantee ensures that you always find a study document that suits you well. You fill out a form, and our customer service team takes care of the rest.
Who am I buying these notes from?
Stuvia is a marketplace, so you are not buying this document from us, but from seller callumgallagher. Stuvia facilitates payment to the seller.
Will I be stuck with a subscription?
No, you only buy these notes for £3.49. You're not tied to anything after your purchase.
