Two Germanies

What was the division of Germany?

Germany was split into two countries - the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic.

When was the division of Germany?

Germany was first split into two countries when, in May 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany - popularly known as West Germany - was created. The German Democratic Republic - or East Germany - was formed in October 1949.

Why did the division of Germany happen?

Germany was divided into two countries for 2 key reasons:

• ❖ The decisions made at the Yalta and Potsdam conferences resulted in Germany being split into 4 zones under the control of the USSR, France, Britain and the USA.
• ❖ The increasing tension between the Western powers (Britain, France and the USA) and the East (the USSR) over the future of Germany.

How did the division of Germany happen?

There were 6 key events that led to the division of Germany:

• ❖ This increased tension resulted in the Berlin Crisis, when Stalin blockaded Berlin to force the Western powers out of West Berlin.
• ❖ The West responded with the Berlin Airlift.
• ❖ After Stalin called off the blockade, the West decided to formally unite their 3 zones into the Federal Republic of Germany on 23rd May, 1949.
• ❖ The new parliament of the Federal Republic of Germany, the Bundestag, was founded in Bonn on 14th August, 1949.
• ❖ After elections, Konrad Adenauer was appointed the first chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany on 15th September, 1949.
• ❖ The USSR responded by formally turning the eastern zone into the German Democratic Republic in October 1949.

Where were the capital cities after the division of Germany?

There were now 2 capital cities, one in each Germany:

• ❖ The capital of the Federal Republic of Germany was moved to the city of Bonn.
• ❖ The capital of the German Democratic Republic was the eastern sector of Berlin, controlled by the USSR after the Second World War.

What was the relationship like between the two Germanies after the division of Germany?

The relationship between the two Germanies was tense for 3 key reasons:

• ❖ Each German state recognised only itself as the legitimate German nation.
• ❖ The Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) refused to acknowledge Germany had been divided into two separate countries.
• ❖ The German Federal Republic was only recognised as a nation by Eastern Bloc countries and the USSR, not by the Western powers.