US attitudes to Germany & Berlin

what happened in January 1947

the British and American occupation zones in Germany and Berlin were merged into a single zone known as Bizonia

Bizonia reinforced the indication that the USA was interested in…

creating a clearly defined West German state that was to become the leading force in the unification of an economically stable & united Western European bloc

when was Bizonia created

January 1947

what happened in June 1948

the new currency Deutsmark was introduced

what was the Deutsmark

the new currency for the Western Zones of Germany and Berlin

what were the consequences of the Deutschmark

the Soviet Union imposed a blockade on Berlin

The Marshall plan marked a shift in..

US policy towards Germany & Berlin

what did the Marshall Plan suggest

That the USA recognized that a strong Germany economy was fundamental to the development of European economic recovery

what happened in June 1948

the London Conference reached the conclusion that a divided Germany should have its own Constituent Assembly

what was the view of policy makers in Washington

that a divided Germany was preferable to a united Germany that might become aligned to the Soviet Union

A reunified Germany might…

become too powerful through the manipulation of the Western & Eastern powers.

Germany might align itself with…

the USSR particulalry if the communist influence already present assumed greater force in a reunified Germany

The extent of American influence could be undermined as…

Germany developed a degree of economic dominance that would ensure its independence