FRG & GDR
History: Cambridge International GCSE The Twentieth Century (Option B), topic 4.4.4
The Creation of Two Germanies
In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR) were declared.
Federal Republic of Germany
- In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) formally split from the East.
- The FRG was previously Trizonia.
- It introduced a new constitution, which cemented democratic values in the republic.
- Between 1948 and 1949 a new constitution was being developed for the FRG.
- In the first election, the Christian Democratic Union was elected and Adenauer formed a government.
German Democratic Republic
- In response to the Federal Republic of Germany, the German Democratic Republic was also created.
- Although the USSR recognised the GDR, it was not formally recognised by Western powers.
- The SED government ostensibly (supposedly) supported free and democratic elections.
- However, the SED remained in power from 1949 to 1990 (the end of the GDR).
- The government declared its aim of protecting East Germany from fascism and constructing socialism.
Test yourself on FRG & GDR
Which party won the Federal Republic of Germany's first election in 1949?
Who led the Christian Democratic Union party?
Which party was in charge of the German Democratic Republic?