Political Parties and Elections

What did the Allies allow in 1945?

They allowed the formation of political parties, and 4 major parties and some smaller ones emerged.

By 1949, which 2 parties dominated politics?

The CDU and the SPD.

However, what party often held the balance of power?

The FDP, even through it was a smaller party.

What were the beliefs of the Christian Democrats (CDU/CSU)?

Conservative.

What were the beliefs of the Social Democratic Party (SPD)?

Democratic - Socialist.

What were the views of the Free Democratic Party (FDP)?

Amalgamation of liberal parties.

What were the beliefs of the German Party (DP)?

Right-wing.

What were the beliefs of the League of Refugees and Expellees (BHE)?

Revisionist, nationalist, special-interest.

What were the beliefs of the Communist party (KPD)?

Communist; but banned in 1956.

What were the beliefs of the Socialist Reich Party (SRP)?

Pro-Nazi: banned in 1952.

Which of these parties were established quickly?

The SPD and KPD.

How was the CDU (Christian Democratic Union) formed?

The Christian and Conservative Parties joined to form the CDU, although in Bavaria it was the Christian Social Union (CSU).

What did the liberal parties form?

The Free Democratic Party (FDP), which had liberal principles and business interests, but also some right-wing views.