Cold War Germany and Europe 1948-1952

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Questions and Answers

What was one reason the USSR opposed the creation of a West German state?

They wanted control over the entire German territory. (correct)

The industrialized areas were primarily in the eastern zone.

The West had already established a communist government.

They were concerned about a potential revival of German militarism. (correct)

How did the Western powers respond to the Soviet blockade of Berlin?

They initiated an airlift to supply West Berlin. (correct)

They launched a ground invasion into East Berlin.

They agreed to negotiate and remove troops.

They surrendered and allowed East Germany to take over.

What event marked the beginning of West Germany's establishment?

The signing of the Potsdam Agreement.

The approval of the Democratic Federal Constitution. (correct)

The introduction of the Deutschmark.

The failure of the first London Conference.

What was the key outcome of the second London Conference in June 1948?

Creation of a West German Democratic Federal Constitution. Signup and view all the answers

Why did the Soviets initiate the blockade of Berlin in 1948?

To cut off supplies and force the West to abandon their control. Signup and view all the answers

What was the currency introduced in West Germany in June 1948?

Deutschmark Signup and view all the answers

What strategy did the Western allies initially consider in response to the Berlin Blockade?

Diplomatic negotiations with the Soviets. Signup and view all the answers

What role did Walter Ulbricht play during the Berlin Blockade?

Leader of the SED trying to gain support for East Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What was the main reason Western Allies rejected the suggestion of the Ostmark as the sole currency in Berlin?

The Soviets would have disproportionate representation in the new bank. Signup and view all the answers

Which event signaled the beginning of the split between the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Democratic Republic?

The formation of the GDR in October 1949. Signup and view all the answers

What outcome did the Security Council representatives achieve on May 4th?

A resolution to lift the Berlin blockade. Signup and view all the answers

What was the occupation statute's purpose in the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG)?

To establish a body for Western Allies' interests. Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following was a key feature of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) after its formation?

It was governed by a single party without real competition. Signup and view all the answers

What was Konrad Adenauer's role in the Federal Republic of Germany?

First Chancellor of the FRG. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of Stalin's concerns regarding the establishment of a separate East German state?

It would solidify the division of Germany permanently. Signup and view all the answers

What significant event occurred in 1961 relating to Berlin?

The establishment of the Berlin Wall. Signup and view all the answers

What was one major reason for the split between the USSR and Yugoslavia in 1948?

Stalin's disapproval of Tito's independent role Signup and view all the answers

Which pact was signed in 1954 between Yugoslavia, Turkey, and Greece?

Balcan Mutual Defense Pact Signup and view all the answers

What was Stalin's reaction to Tito's Balkan Federation proposal in 1947-1948?

Vetoed the idea fearing loss of power Signup and view all the answers

How did Yugoslavia's economy differ from the USSR during the 1950s?

Workers managed factories and controlled exports. Signup and view all the answers

What was one method used by the USSR to isolate Yugoslavia after their split?

Called for trade embargos and assassination attempts Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the aims of NATO regarding Yugoslavia after the split?

To weaken the USSR's control over the Eastern Bloc Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for Stalin to label Yugoslavia as 'political/ideological criminals'?

They took steps towards political independence Signup and view all the answers

Which form of foreign support did Tito seek after breaking away from the USSR?

Financial and military assistance from the West Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the main goals of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC)?

To regulate coal and steel industries in Europe Signup and view all the answers

What was Britain’s primary concern regarding European integration during the early 1950s?

Desire to maintain strong ties with the US and Commonwealth Signup and view all the answers

Which organization was formed to promote ideological unity among communist parties in Europe?

COMINFORM Signup and view all the answers

What was a main task of COMECON when it was created?

To integrate the economies of the satellite states Signup and view all the answers

How did the Western powers perceive the Soviet-led peace movement initiated by COMINFORM?

It was a strategy to undermine NATO support Signup and view all the answers

What significant economic policy was implemented in Eastern Bloc countries after the establishment of COMECON?

Implementation of five-year plans Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary role of the bilateral treaties established between the USSR and Eastern Bloc states?

To create mutual defense agreements and ban NATO membership Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the concerns of France regarding the integration of Western Europe?

An increase in German economic power Signup and view all the answers

Why was Britain resistant to the Schuman Plan for the ECSC?

It wanted to maintain control over its economic policies Signup and view all the answers

What was a notable aspect of the Eastern Bloc's stance on cultural policies?

Adoption of identical policies as directed by the USSR Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary reason for signing the Brussels Pact?

To establish a military alliance against the USSR Signup and view all the answers

What event prompted the US to support the formation of NATO?

The Prague Coup Signup and view all the answers

How did the Korean War impact perceptions of Soviet intentions in Western Europe?

It reinforced fears of Soviet expansionism. Signup and view all the answers

What was a key feature of the proposed European Defense Community (EDC)?

It proposed a European army under supranational control. Signup and view all the answers

What was the primary concern of Western European nations regarding West Germany's rearmament?

They feared it would lead to another world war. Signup and view all the answers

What compromise was reached regarding the European Army proposed in the Pleven Plan?

The army would be controlled by NATO, with German units supervised. Signup and view all the answers

What led to increased military spending among NATO states from 1949 to 1951?

The pressure from the Soviet Union's atomic capabilities. Signup and view all the answers

What was a major consequence of high military spending during the rearmament period?

Inflation and balance of payment issues. Signup and view all the answers

What was Stalin's response to the Western European rearmament efforts?

He proposed a neutral, unified Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What limit did the US Congress impose on President Truman's authority regarding NATO?

He could only declare war with Congress's consent. Signup and view all the answers

What significant military development by the USSR took place in August 1949?

The testing of their first atomic bomb. Signup and view all the answers

Why was the Social Democratic Party critical of Adenauer's intentions regarding the EDC?

They felt it would further divide Germany. Signup and view all the answers

What was one of the goals of the Organization for European Economic Cooperation (OEEC) during the rearmament period?

To prevent an economic crisis while supporting rearmament. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Chapter 3: The Impact of Cold War Tensions of Germany and Europe 1948-1952

Division of Germany – London Conference (Nov. 1947): The Big 4 (US, USSR, UK, and others) met to solve the German problem. The US supported European integration, while the USSR wanted to avoid a split and rallied support with a socialist party. The conference ended with accusations against the US/UK for violating Potsdam agreement and refusing fair reparations. Western powers aimed to create a West German state.

The Decision to Create a West German State

The London Conference failure (1947) solidified the idea of a West German state. France was wary of Germany's potential to invade, leading to US troop positioning in Europe. International control was maintained through the Ruhr Authority and an occupation statute, which gave the West control over trade, foreign relations, and the economy. A Western German state was permitted its own democratic constitution in June, 1948. A new currency/mark (Deutschmark) was introduced June 20th, 1948.

The Soviet Response – The Berlin Blockade

The Soviets aimed to force Western allies out of West Berlin by cutting off rail and road access. This was done in March 1948, due to the perceived devaluation of the German mark in relation to the Reichsmark. This move was an attempt to influence or undermine West German establishment.

Western Response

The West responded by initially unsure how to deal with the blockade. A massive airlift of supplies to West Berlin followed (July 1948) to counteract the Soviet blockade. Supplies were delivered in winter at the rate of 5,000 tons daily.

Security Council's Role

The Security Council proposed a committee of members to end the blockade. The Soviets rejected simultaneous implementation with the Ostmark- the West also rejected. A financial committee suggested the Ostmark as sole currency, but the West rejected the Soviet proposal. The Deutschmark became the sole currency of West Germany in March 1949.

End of the Blockade

Stalin's plan to force the blockade failed as the Soviets began to lose ground. In January 1949, a concession was reached and the blockade was lift on May 4th, 1949. A subsequent meeting of foreign ministers took place but led to no agreement.

The Emergence of the 2 German States

Following the Berlin blockade, the Western Allies championed the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG). Meanwhile, the East formed the German Democratic Republic (GDR), with Berlin remaining under four-power control.

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Description

Explore the significant events surrounding the division of Germany during the Cold War, particularly the impact of the London Conference of 1947 and the establishment of West Germany. Understand the geopolitical tensions between the US and USSR and how this shaped post-war Europe. This quiz covers the critical decisions and events that influenced European integration and stability during this era.