HSTY 219 Week 9

These flashcards cover key concepts, terms, and historical events from the lecture on Berlin in the 20th century, focusing on the post-World War II era.

Unconditional Surrender

May 7 (Reims), May 8 (Berlin) 1945; The surrender of a nation or army without any conditions.

Potsdam Agreement

A major post-World War II agreement made on August 1, 1945, concerning the administration of Germany.

OMGUS

Office of the Military Government of the United States, responsible for governance in occupied Germany.

Allied Control Council

A council established to govern Germany after World War II comprising the Allied powers.

Sozialistische Einheitspartei (SED)

The Socialist Unity Party of Germany formed in the Soviet Zone. Leaders: Otto Grotewohl (SPD), Wilhelm Pieck and Walter Ulbricht (KPD)

Christian Democratic Union

A major political party in Germany formed after World War II.

Free Democratic Party (FDP)

A political party in Germany advocating for civil liberties and social liberalism.

Bizonia

The economic alliance of the American and British zones of occupation in Germany.

London Council

February to June 1948; Called for the formation of a West German government, reform to stabilize the economy.

Currency Reform

The process of replacing the Reichsmark with the Deutsche Mark to stabilize the economy.

Berlin Blockade

A Soviet blockade of Berlin from June 1948 to May 1949 to cut off Allied supply routes.

Berlin Airlift

The operation to supply West Berlin by air during the blockade.

Federal Republic of Germany

The official name for West Germany, established in May 1949.

German Democratic Republic

The official name for East Germany, established in October 1949.

Inner German Border

The border that separated East and West Germany during the Cold War.

Population Flight

The mass emigration of people from East Germany to West Germany.

General Lucius Clay

The American military governor of Germany during the early post-war years.

Currency Devaluation

The reduction of the value of a currency in terms of money.

Socialist Unity Party Formation

The process of establishing the SED with the merging of socialist factions in East Germany.