1.4.2

US Attitudes Towards Germany & Berlin

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US Attitudes Towards Germany & Berlin

The USA's attitudes to Berlin and Germany were clear by 1948.

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Feelings in 1945

  • The USA had uncertain attitudes towards Berlin in 1945.
  • The Morgenthau Plan stated that Germany should be kept weak and be completely de-industrialised.
  • Another approach was to avoid German instability by curbing the harsh reparations that the USSR demanded they pay.
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US intentions in 1947-8

  • By 1947-1948, the USA’s intentions for Germany became clear. They decided that:
    • The USA was not willing to give up any of the Western zones of Berlin.
    • A unified Germany was not necessary
    • On 1st January 1947 the American and British occupation zones merged into one zone creating Bizonia
    • A new currency was created in June 1948 which would be used in all of the Western zones of Germany (including Berlin).
    • Germany would be eligible to receive Marshall Aid but not the areas controlled by the USSR.

Jump to other topics

1Origins of the Cold War, 1945-9

2Widening of the Cold War

3The Global War

4Confrontation & Cooperation

5Brezhnev Era

6Ending of the Cold War

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