Adenauer's Aims

What economic problems were there under Adenauer?

Despite the liberating effect of a new currency, the economy faced issues and between 1949-50 it suffered a recession.

What happened to unemployment?

It rose to 2 million (13%) and the prices continued to rise.

What social problems were there under Adenauer?

Was a significant need for housing.

Many destroyed during war time bombing and for refugees/expellees from Eastern Europe.

What political problems were there in West Germany?

The FGR was still under the control of the occupation statute and only Allies could decide things like trade and internal security.

But, what was Adenauer and the CDU able to do politically?

They were able to run the FRG.

He won 4 elections and created post-war Germany.

What did Adenauer support socially?

Supported Western liberal democracy and Catholic conservatism - in contrast to planned economy of socialist movement.

What was Adenauer’s view of the soviets?

He didn’t trust them and looked for protection from the West.

What did Adenauer want to do with the West?

Gain their trust to revise restrictions of the occupation statute as quickly as possible and became a reliable ally and strong economic partner.

What did Adenauer assure people of?

That although reunification was close to his heart, he was determined not to make any concessions to communism and saw other priorities first.

What did Adenauer believe about a Western partnership?

That it would secure them against communism, and also attract East Germans to West Germany through their own volition.

How many refugees left East Germany by 1961?

Nearly 3 million left to the West.

Who was Adenauer’s finance minister?

Ludwig Erhard.

What did Erhard and Adenauer want to achieve economically?

Determined to create economic stability.

What impact did the Korean War 150-53 have?

It spurred the German economy out of recession and into a boom.

What was the economic boom also shaped by?

Economic reforms initiated by Erhard’s ‘social market’ policy which aimed to create a free market.

What effect did the economic boom have?

Sustained years of major growth until 1966-67.