West Germany (1963–1990) Notes

Domestic Policies (1963–1990)

1. Ludwig Erhard (1963–1966)
   1. Continued the Social Market Economy
   2. Focused on steady growth, but faced recession in 1966.
2. Grand Coalition (1966–1969)
   1. Led by Kurt Georg Kiesinger
   2. Introduced emergency laws allowing more federal power during crises.
3. Willy Brandt (1969–1974)
   1. Social reforms in education, housing, and welfare
   2. Launched Ostpolitik, easing relations with East Germany.
4. Helmut Schmidt (1974–1982)
   1. Managed oil crisis
   2. Focused on NATO commitments and anti-terrorism laws.
5. Helmut Kohl (1982–1990)
   1. Conservative economic policy
   2. Reduced public spending
   3. Oversaw reunification in 1990.

The Baader-Meinhof Group / Red Army Faction (RAF)

1. Left-wing extremist group active from 1970s–1990s.
2. Opposed capitalism, US influence, and West German political structure.
3. Used bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations (e.g., 1977 “German Autumn” killing of industrialist Hanns Martin Schleyer).
4. Government response: Expanded anti-terror laws, increased surveillance, and restricted prisoner communications.

Reunification & Role of Helmut Kohl

1. 1989 - Fall of Berlin Wall after mass protests and East German political collapse.
2. Kohl’s 10-Point Plan (Nov 1989) proposed gradual reunification but events moved faster.
3. March 1990: Free elections in East Germany ro-reunification parties win.
4. Oct 3, 1990: Official reunification where East becomes 5 new states within FRG.
5. Kohl secured support from US, UK, France, and USSR through diplomacy and economic assurances.

Social and Cultural Change in West Germany (1949–1990)

1. 1960s–70s: Student protests, feminist movements, and debates over Nazi past.
2. Rising immigration from Turkey, Italy, and Greece led to debates on identity and integration.
3. Environmentalism grew in the 1980s
4. Green Party entered parliament in 1983.
5. Gradual shift toward a more open, liberal society with expanded individual freedoms.