FRG 1945-89 KT1

Returning to a stable democracy after 1945

Allied forces took control of German gov and agreed democracy should be restored. Germany divided into 4 zones run by USSR, France, USA, Britain

Political parties set up from June 1945. KPD, SPD (more radical), CDU + CSU (Church-based)

Parlimentary Council set up on 1 Sep 1948 to draw up temp const. Announced the Basic Law 23 May 1949

The Basic Law:

• Outlines a free + liberal democracy
• Promised: Equal rights to citizens, Free speech, State education for all
• Article 20: State authority exercised by people through elections
• Article 21: Political parties can be freely established, Parties that undermine the free democratic order or endanger the existance of the FRG shall be unconst
• But did have clauses that suggest it could be used to be repressive: Possible to ban political parties if seek to undermine FRG- fear of extreme parties still

Consolidation under Adenauer and Erhard 1949-65

Adenauer:

• Chancellor of WG 1949-1963. 
• Some called his leadership a…