This document is a summary of "Why Was Germany Such a Source of Tension?" to help revise for the 'Component 4' (CIE History 9389) examination this June. These notes are specifically made for 'Cambridge International AS and A level History 9389' (Depth study 3: International History, )
Why Was Germany Such a Source of Tension?
(Depth Study 3: International History, 1945-1991)
(Cambridge International AS and A level History 9389)
The two Germanys
By 1949, Germany become 2 countries. This division fuelled the Cold War until 1961.
Differences existed between West and East Germany in Economic + Political spheres.
Economic differences between East + West Germany
Economically, West larger with greater industrial output + population. West received
Marshall +
1950-60s experienced ‘economic miracle’ + standards living for most W. Germans increased.
In E. Germany, leader Ulbricht's Post-1949 programme (forced collectivisation farms +
socialisation) disastrous for economy. Led to hardship + drop living standards in East. Many
fled to West via Berlin.
Political differences between West + East Germany
Politically, W. had democracy. E. had no free elections since 1946, 1950s was Stalinist,
authoritarian state. E. had riots 1953 against situation. Workers in E. + Europe rose up. Riots
put down by USSR tanks. Was first major rebellion in USSR.
Cause of differences E.+ W. gave up unite as 1 country. Changing situation riskier. Tension
remained in Berlin. Khrushchev described “fishbone in E. Germany's gullet.”
Why Berlin Crisis develop?
Khrushchev + Crisis 1958
Post-blockade Berlin divided US, British, French, Soviet occupation. Econ. + Pol. inequalities
of 2 German's seen by differences W + E Berlin. West glittering + prime example what
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