US attitudes to Germany and Berlin

What was Bizonia?

British and American occupation zones in Germany/ Berlin merged into a single zone

When was Bizonia created?

January 1947

What idea did Bizonia reinforce?

USA was interested in creating a defined Western German state that was to become the leading force in unifying a Western European bloc

What decision to do with Bizonia was created in February 1948?

Introduce a new currency into Western zones

When was the new currency formally activated?

June 1948

How did the Soviet Union respond to the new currency?

Imposing a blockade on Berlin

What did the Marshall Plan suggest a shift in?

US policy towards Germany and berlin

What did Zhdanov say in November 1947?

USA’s intention to construct a ‘western bloc’ with Germany at its centre as ‘an American protectorate

When was the London Conference?

June 1948

What conclusion did the London Conference come to?

Germany should have its own Constituent Assembly

What was significant about the London Conference?

Mark the first step towards the resolution of the German problem since Potsdam

What was Kennan wary of?

USA assuming a heavy responsibility for the future development and success of the Western zones economies

What was important to Kennan about Germany?

A united Germany over a permanently divided one

What broke up in March 1947?

The Moscow Council of Foreign Ministers

What did the Moscow Council of Foreign Ministers fail to do?

Reach a firm agreement on a final peace treaty with Germany

What was made the responsibility of Germans by September 1947?

Coal

Why did US policy makers reject notion of a reunified Germany?

Might become too powerful through the manipulation of Western and Eastern powers

Germany may align itself with the USSR

Extent of American influence could be undermined as Germany developed economic dominance

What was more manageable than a reunified Germany?

Development of West German economic recovery