ABSTRACT

This chapter explores the contours of Germany's division in the Cold War and the political heritage of the Federal Republic outlined above. The success of the Federal Republic over the first fifty years of its existence depended largely on its constitutional framework, the Basic Law. The Basic Law to govern the Federal Republic considerably strengthened the federal chancellor within the political system. Adenauer therefore aspired to create a strong Federal Republic on these principles first, and to unite Germany in the more distant future from this position of strength. Though the aim of German unity was constantly emphasised, it became clear that the Adenauer government was essentially paying lip service to the idea to avoid alienating the large part of the electorate with relatives or interests east of the Elbe, while actually pursuing other policy lines first. This uncompromising Politik der Starke in his relations with Eastern Europe was the centrepiece of Adenauer's entire diplomacy.