SEM 5: German states’ foreign policies and alliances during the Cold War (1949-90)

Integration into W Bloc

Goal to align with NATO & W EU for security against the Soviet Union.

Success of NATO membership

West Germany joined NATO in 1955, securing military protection.

Elysee Treaty (1963)

Treaty to reconcile FR and GER, establishing close cooperation.

European Economic Community (EEC)

Founded in 1957, it strengthened economic ties and helped with post-war recovery.

The Hallstein Doctrine (1955–1969)

Policy to isolate GDR by refusing relations with states recognizing East Germany.

Ostpolitik (1969–1990)

Policy to normalize relations with GDR and Eastern Bloc, easing tensions.

Reunification of Germany

Achieved in 1990 after the fall of the Berlin Wall.

North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO)

Military alliance providing security against the Soviet threat.

Importance of the EEC

Promoted economic integration with other European nations.

European Coal & Steel Community

Foundation for modern EU, established economic cooperation.

United Nations membership of FRG (1973)

Provided international legitimacy and expanded diplomatic influence.

Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD)

Facilitated economic cooperation among advanced economies.

G7 membership (1975)

Recognized West Germany as a leading global economy.

Western European Union (WEU)

Early defense cooperation organization influencing EU security policy.

United States as ally

Provided security under NATO and supported Germany's post-war economy.

France as key ally

Former rival turned partner in European integration.

United Kingdom as ally

Supported rearmament and Germany’s integration into Western Europe.

Italy & Benelux alliance

Co-founders of the EEC, crucial for economic and political cooperation.

Recognition as a Sovereign State (GDR)

Goal to gain legitimacy amid West German isolation efforts.

Basic Treaty (1972)

Achieved GDR's widespread recognition in international community.

Strengthening USSR ties

Ensured Soviet economic and military support despite dependency risks.

Berlin Wall (1961)

Constructed to prevent defections to West Germany.

Council for Mutual Economic Assistance (Comecon)

Integrated GDR’s economy into the Eastern Bloc.

Warsaw Pact (1955)

Eastern Bloc military alliance countering NATO.

United Nations membership of GDR (1973)

Marked official recognition and engaged in international diplomacy.

Non-Aligned Movement (Observer Status)

Allowed GDR to build relationships with developing nations.

International Olympic Committee recognition (1968)

Enabled separate competition for GDR in Olympics.

Policies towards Israel (FRG)

Pursued reconciliation, signed reparations agreements.

Policies towards Israel (GDR)

Refused recognition, aligned with Arab states and provided military support.

Luxembourg Agreement (1952)

Agreement for reparations to Holocaust survivors by West Germany.

Cold War influences on reconciliation

West Germany sought to address Nazi past for international acceptance.

GDR's stance on democratic values

Refused to acknowledge Nazi responsibility, blaming West Germany.