Social change and the decline of Adenauer

Why was support so important for Adenauer?

Many Germans had co-operated with the Nazis. Adenauer's government needed to win their support, as democracy did not have widespread approval

What was the social impact of WW2?

Cities had been damaged and property lost. Nearly 25% of the population was fatherless, and women were forced out of work and back into home because cheap labour was available from the Eastern zones.

How did Adenauer win the support of those who lost possessions in the war?

Through the 1952 Equalisation of Burdens Act. This introduced a tax on property and funds not affected by the war and redistributed to those who had suffered the most.

Why did Adenauer want to create an affluent society?

Adenauer created an affluent society and concentrated on building up for the future

What were the positives of Adenauer's society?

- Housing improvements, with 4 million houses built by 1957

- Wages had risen 400% between 1949 and 63

- Social welfare was available, with pensions and an insurance based health and welfare system

- Improvements ended any Communist appeal

What were the negatives of Adenauer's society?

- There was little social change

- The old elites still dominated

- By the 1960s, tensions emerged and there was growing electoral support for right and left wing groups

How were Nazis reintegrated under Adenauer?

Before the FRG was established, reintegration had occurred and quickly, so that by the late 1940s, de-Nazification was meaningless. The government compensated those who had suffered, but exonerated most Nazis for their crimes. The need to care for war victims and refugees was balance against responsibilities to the survivors

How were Nazis employed under Adenauer?

Former Nazi civil servants regained the jobs they lost during de-Nazification through Law 131. As a result 40-80% of civil servants were ex-Nazis and former Nazis continued working in the judiciary and universities. Even Adenauer employed a former Nazi as his personal advisor

How did Adenauer's fall start?

With his handling of the decision not to run for president in 1959. His withdrawal damages his image and reputation

How did Adenauer react to the Berlin Wall?

He failed to intervene

What caused Adenauer's resignation?

In 1962, the weekly news magazine, Der Spiegel, criticised the German defence forces and when questioned on it, the defence minister misled the Bundestag. This was made worse as the government appeared to try to silence the magazine by raiding its offices. This provoked an outcry, as it the government was acting like a dictatorship and ultimately led to Adenauer's resignation