Germany during the Cold War - Research Paper Example

?Germany during the Cold War (West Germany) Introduction The effects of the Cold War were seen through the division that existed between world superpowers. This war was an ideological struggle between the United States and the Soviet Union. The war began after the end of World War Two. Germany was a weak state after the end of World War Two, while France and Britain were devastated. There was a struggle between democratic principles and communism. As a result, there was the development of the iron curtain policy that led to the rise of West Germany in 1949 under the alliance of French, Britain, and America. West Germany was inclined to the western allies such as America, France, and Britain. The west side of Germany was known as Federal Republic of Germany with Bonn as the capital city. West Germany managed to maintain a stable democracy and a tremendous economic expansion. The division of Germany continued for a long time with several policy changes to facilitate the dominance. However, Germany was again unified in 1989 (Arnold 377). This paper seeks to focus on West Germany during the Cold War. Western Democracy Although the Second World War ended in 1945 followed by the defeat of Germany, the allied forces controlled Germany from 1945 to 1949. This was meant to reduce the effects and influence of the Nazi party. During this time, the allied forces realized the importance of Germany becoming a democracy. Democratic institutions were established at all levels such as parish and municipal levels and then in counties and districts. Consequently, the whole of West Germany state had democratic institutions in place. The allied forces wanted the German people to play a part in the formation of their government (Hiscocks 496-503). Britain established nominated councils in parishes that had to take a decision without authorization by political parties. The political party ban was lifted at the end of 1945 in the three zones. From this period, there was a rapid development of democratic institutions. Administratively, the German part increased, and the number of military officers significantly reduced. Furthermore, in the last period of 1946, the process of administrative unification had increased and Britain and United States decided on economic integration of their two zones (Hiscocks 497). According to Hiscocks, the other important step in democratization of West Germany was indirect means employed by America, Britain, and France (497). This was fundamental and incorporated Cultural, Education, and Information Division of the Allied Control Commission. In England, for example, prisoners of war were given lecture on democratic institutions and international civics. Moreover, the theories of Nazis were exposed during these lectures. Additionally, America relied on the press and print media whereby a number of journalists were taken to American universities for training on democracy. There were also other important materials on German newspapers. France facilitated democratization by ensuring Germany was acquainted with French culture. The democratization of Germany helped it to overcome challenges that were experienced before during preparation of the Reich Constitution of 1919 and the failure of the Weimar Republic. However, the bureaucracy employed in German civil service continued to be a threat for democratic ideals in the region. The other obstacle was the extreme authority vested in political parties. Federal Parliamentary Republic From 1949, Western Germany was controlled under the basic law that was authored by a German constituent assembly. This was known as the Parliamentary Council and was authorized by occupying authority and was intended to allow participation of free will of the German people. These laws led to the establishment of a Federal Republic with a bicameral legislature and a parliamentary form of government. The majority of single member constituencies elected 60% of the lower house. The remaining 40% were chosen based on proportional representation from reserves drawn from party lists (Hiscocks 498). The government of the states they represented appointed the 43 upper house members and they had to abide by such government. The lower house was supposed to ensure unity in operation between the federal and state government. Moreover, it had a delaying veto, but authority was in approving legislation influencing the financial policy and administrative authority of the states. Moreover, the federal chancellor came to power through the absolute majority. In addition, his impeachment was also through agreement of the absolute majority on his successor (Hiscocks 499). Allies The allies’ occupation of Germany led to serious divisions during the reign of the Cold War. The allies in West Germany were United States, France, and Great Britain. West Germany was because of the end of military occupation by the allies. This started in 1945, and West Germany became a member of the western alliance against the Soviet Union influence. In 1945, the three allies occupied the western portion of Germany and a half of Berlin (Arnold 169). Furthermore, the Cold War mistrust aggravated the division in Germany. The split became formal when United States established Western Germany as an independent republic in 1949. In 1954, West Germany was granted authority to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). There was to be mutual defense alliance followed by France, Britain, and America’s withdrawal. In 1955, the alliance issued a proclamation for West Germany sovereignty and military occupation ended. West Germany was given permission for the military establishment to half a million and making of arms, but there was to be no atomic or chemical weapons production. This meant West Germany was recognized as a member of the western alliance opposed to the Soviet Union. This lasted until reunification of Germany in 1990 (LLC). High Economic Growth Several factors contributed to Germany transformation from the low level it was after World War II to one of the most prosperous economy of the world. There was sheer determination and strong pursuit for survival by Germans. Moreover, the strict monetary policies and financial aid from the Marshal Plan led to economic expansion that was never witnessed before (Arnold 367). The reforms and aid had effects soon after Dr. Adenauer took over power. Consequently, the cost of living fell in 1950 and exports rose significantly from 1950 to 1951 (Hiscocks 501). There was also a significant reduction in tax. Moreover, constant advertisement contributed to high economic growth. As a result, the culture of consumerism was enhanced in West Germany during the Cold War. Advertising played a significant part in developing a consumer base to support a booming economy in what eventually became the largest exporting nation in the world (Hachtmann). Hachtmann cites that advertising helped to connect consumers with products, starting the economy back up and turning West Germany into one of the largest economic powerhouses in the world (Web). Foreign aid was also significant in economic revival. According to Hiscocks, by the end of June in 1952, Germany received over 3,000 dollars from United States (501). Wall of Berlin factors that affect the West The Berlin crisis was a significant event during the Cold War in West Germany. This resulted as Russia and America headed separate ways in 1947. This led to dissolution of the Allied Control Council of Berlin. Consequently, American soldiers and supplies were denied access to West Berlin. There was no access to West Berlin using railroads, and this affected western allies operation. As a result, the western allies relied on air to transport amenities and people. Cargo planes were in operation 24 hours throughout the day (Vowinckel 347). However, this finally ended. Finally, The Western powers' unwavering support of Berlin instilled more confidence to Germans in their loyalty to Germany's well-being. Democracy v. Communism During the reign of the Cold War, this was the most overriding concept. The western side supported the democratic principles while the eastern side led by the Soviet Union was inclined to the socialist idea. In West Germany, the democratic principles were part of the system. Democracy here was perpetuated through elected representatives. The elected representatives reflected the wish of the people. According to Vowinckel, in West Germany, manipulations were instrumental in keeping people from the socialist idea and strengthening sentiments against socialism (254). They claimed there was no freedom and democracy under socialism. According to Calvin, the most important factor during the Cold War was fear (Web). This was seen especially on the western allies. The West feared the spread of communism as it had potential due to the expansionist movement. This was the reason for the action of the West as its capitalist ideas were under threats. There was also fear that the Soviet Union would establish control over Europe, and hence threatening dominance enjoyed by America. This fear lasted until disintegration of communism. Conclusion The effects of the Cold War can be best described as the major division that took place in the 20th century. The Cold War for a long time threatened the pacification of the world after World War II. The Cold War lasted for a longer time than any other war to take place in the world. Germany was largely devastated by the Cold War as it provided a route to the control of the rest of Europe. This facilitated the formation of allies meant to protect each side’s interest. However, this led to the establishment of democracy in West Germany that was a source of hope for its citizens. Consequently, there was a massive economic expansion making East Germany an economic powerhouse. The division of Germany also led to division of ideas. Each side inclined to either democratic or communist ideas. However, democratic ideas won at the end of communism. Finally, the Cold War is best described as a period in which the world was uncertain of what tomorrow held. This led to constant fear of the unknown globally. Works Cited Arnold, James, and Roberta Wiener. “Cold War.” New York: ABC-CLIO, 2012. Print Calvin. “Anti-Communist Attitudes of West German Citizens.” Calvin.edu. Web. 04 June 2012. < http://www.calvin.edu/academic/cas/gpa/brd1.htm > Hachtmann, Frauke. “Promoting Consumerism in West Germany During the Cold War: An Agency Perspective.” Digitalcommons. Web. 04 June 2012. < http://digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1015&context=journalismfacpub > Hiscocks. “The Development of Democracy in Western Germany since the Second World War.” The Canadian Journal of Economics and Political Science 20.4 (1954): 493-503. Print. LLC. “Allies end occupation of West Germany.” History.com. Web. 04 June 2012. < http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/allies-end-occupation-of-west-germany > Vowinckel, Annette. “Cold War Cultures.” London: Berghahn Books, 2012. Print. Read More