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History of Germany during the Cold War
Following the end of WWII, Germany became an area of conflict and interest between the two superpowers of the Cold War -- particularly the United States and the Soviets. Interested in preventing Germany from becoming stable, the United States and allies sought to prevent Germany from falling under communist rule. The powers vie for control over the nation for years, resulting in a change that would forever alter Germany. -
End of World War II
After unconditional surrender, Germany withdraws from the war, beginning the end of World War II. VE day (or Victory in Europe Day) commenced, resulting in celebrations across the globe. Image: http://bloximages.chicago2.vip.townnews.com/idahopress.com/content/tncms/assets/v3/editorial/4/0e/40e55de4-966e-11e1-904f-0019bb2963f4/4fa4b2cabe3cb.preview-300.jpg -
Postdam Conference of 1945
Following the surrender of Germany, the Postdam Conference was held in Germany as a means to dispute territory between the four powers: the United States, Great Britain, France and Russia. It was finally disputed that Germany was to be split into four zones. Image: http://library.umkc.edu/spec-col/ww2/postwarworld/images/potsdam.jpg -
Truman Doctrine & Marshall Plan
Truman focused the doctrine on emphasizing the freedom of the European states in order to divert the spread of communism. In tandem with the Marshall Plan, both documents aimed to provide support to European states economically. Western European states welcomed these acts, however, the Soviets disdained it. Following the collapse of the Council of Foreign Members, Germany began to be "divided" by the super powers. Image: http://www.debatingeurope.eu/wp-content/uploads/2011/09/marshall-plan.png -
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The Berlin Blockade & Airlift
As the West attempted to facilitate their governments, the Soviets retaliated by blockading allied transit routes, such as roads and canal routes, as means to gain control of Berlin. However, the blockade was easily countered with airlifts, allowing trade to continue unhindered. The airlifts continued, resulting in nearly ~2-3 million products over ~200,000-300,000 flights. Embarrassed by their attempts, the blockade was finally lifted by the Soviets in May 1949. -
Formation of West and East Germany
After the Berlin Blockade, Germany was split into East and West Germany under the respective parties, the German Democratic Republic and the Federal Republic of Germany. Image: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:East-West-Germany-October_1949-July_1952.svg -
Warsaw Pact and NATO
In response to the super powers, the two sides in Germany take sides. West Germany allies with NATO (United States), while East Germany allies with the Soviets under the Warsaw Pact. Both treaties were designed to treat any enemy of a friend as a threat, intensifying the relationship between East and West Germany. Image: http://digitalarchive.wilsoncenter.org/assets/collection_asset/000/005/954/5954_main.jpg -
Berlin Wall constructed
Created by the German Democratic Republic (East Germany), the Berlin Wall was constructed as a means to prevent civilians from leaving or defecting to West Berlin. This "Iron Curtain" separated Berlin into two, notably West and East Berlin. Image: http://humanexperience.stanford.edu/system/files/image/berlinwall_bgate.jpg -
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Berlin Wall creation & end
Served as a boundary between East and West Berlin for nearly 30 years. -
German Student Movement
Image LinkTo counter the economic recession in the 1960s in West Germany, the Grand Coalition was formed. This formation, however, left many students disappointed, especially due to its undemocratic and unjust qualities. The well-being of students/colleges were thought to be compromised. In June 1967 the German student movement marched into Berlin in front of the Opera House, which the Shah of Iran visited, to point out the "dictatorship" of West Germany, resulting in the death of one individual. -
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Willy Brandt appointed as Chancellor
Appointed as the Chancellor for the Federal Republic of Germany, Brandt is considered to be one of the chancellors responsible for making a effort to facilitate the ties between East and West Germany, in addition to North-South relations. In 1971, he was awarded a Nobel Piece Prize for attempting to reach peace between West Germany and the Soviets. -
1972 Summer Olympic Games & Munich Massacre
Despite the events that took place, in particular the Munich Massacre (two weeks into the Olympics, involving the murder of 11 Israeli athletes and one German officer), the Olympic Games in Munich, Germany, aimed to mend the wounds of the conflict between West/East Germany and its guests. West Germany labeled the games motto as "Die Heiteren Spiele," or the Happy Games, to improve the image of Germany. Image: http://news.holycross.edu/wp-content/uploads/2014/02/Olympic-Rings.jpg -
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Helmut Kohl as Chancellor
Delegated to the role of Chancellor on October 1 1982, Kohl served Germany for nearly 16 years. His first 8 years as a chancellor were dedicated to West Germany, and the last 8 in the new, unified Germany. Kohl is considered to be a primary contributor to the reunification of East/West Germany in 1990. Kohl is also thought to be heavily responsible for strengthening the ties between European nations in the 1990s. -
Berlin Wall is demolished
Unhappy with the performance of the German Democratic Republic, peaceful protesters performed weekly demonstrations in Leipzig and other city squares in an attempt to reach democracy. Successful demonstrations furthered the growth of protesters, finally leading to a total of ~300,000 activists on November 9 1989 -- contributing to the end of the regime of the German Democratic Republic and the Berlin Wall. Image: http://likethedew.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Berlin-Wall-Freedom.jpg -
Unification of Germany
After the success of the rebellion of the Berlin Wall, the power of the German Democratic Republic began to wane. Subsequent peaceful rebellions took place again, soon resulting in the formation, or reunification, of Berlin and Germany as a whole. The German Democratic Republic joined the Federal Republic of Germany, concluding the tensions between the two sides. Image: http://www.germany.info/contentblob/2642056/Galeriebild_gross/717602/31_Kohl_Birthday_pic6.jpg
