Reintegration of former Nazis and decline of Adenauer

What happened before the FRG was established?

Reintegration had occurred, and quickly, so that by late 1940s, de-Nazification was meaningless.

How did the government actually treat the Nazis?

They compensated those who had suffered, but exonerated most Nazis from their crimes.

The need to care for war victims and refugees was balanced against responsibilities to the survivors.

What did former Nazi civil servants regain?

The jobs they lost during de-Nazification through Law 131.

What happened as a result of Nazi civil servants regaining jobs?

40-80% of civil servants were ex-Nazis, and former Nazis continued working in the judiciary and universities.

What meant former Nazis were not alienated?

Pensions could be claimed for service to the Nazi state.

What did Adenauer even employ a former Nazi as?

His personal adviser.

What did these policies for former Nazis ensure?

That few felt shame or fear of retribution.

But, in 1958, an office to investigate possible war crimes opened.

What did Adenauer’s decline start with?

His handling of the decision not to run for president in 1959.

His withdrawal damaged his image and reputation.

What reinforced Adenauer’s damaged image and reputation?

His failure to intervene over the Berlin Wall.

What happened in 1962?

The weekly news magazine, ‘Der Spiegel’, criticised the readiness of German defence forces.

What happened when German defence was questioned?

The defence minister misled the Bundestag.

What made the position of defence forces even worse?

The government appeared to try to silence the magazine by raiding its offices and arresting some of the journalists.

What did the arresting of journalists provoke?

An outcry, as it appeared the government was acting like a dictatorship, and, ultimately, it resulted in Adenauer’s resignation.