ABSTRACT

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.

part 1|8 pages

The Background

part 2|27 pages

The Occupation, 1945–49

chapter 3|11 pages

The Division of Germany

part 3|14 pages

The Cold War and the Two Germanies, 1949–63

chapter 4|12 pages

Two Rival States

part 4|30 pages

Reconstruction and Consolidation: The FRG, 1949–63

part 5|27 pages

The GDR from Its Foundation to the Berlin Wall, 1949–61

chapter 9|6 pages

The Economy in the GDR, 1948–61

chapter 10|7 pages

Socialism and the East German People

part 6|8 pages

Assessment

part 7|32 pages

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