The Effects of a Divided Germany
The Potsdam Agreement and the Status of Berlin
- Joint Governance: The Big Three (the United States, the Soviet Union, and the United Kingdom) agreed to jointly govern Berlin, treating it as a separate entity from Germany.
- Access Challenges: While roads and air corridors were determined, there was no formal mechanism for access, leading to control issues by East Germans.
The status of Berlin was a constant source of tension, as it was an open city within the Soviet sphere, allowing free movement between East and West.
Economic and Social Pressures on East Germany
- Skilled Worker Drain: Many East Germans moved to West Berlin for better job opportunities and higher pay.
- Economic Disparities: West Berliners could purchase goods in the East at lower prices, causing scarcity for East Berliners.
By 1961, 2.7 million East Germans had left, with 30,000 departing in July 1961 alone.
Khrushchev's Ultimatums and Proposals
The 1958 Ultimatum
- End of Four-Power Occupation: Khrushchev demanded the withdrawal of Western forces and proposed turning East Berlin over to the East German government.
- Pressure on the West: He believed this would force the Western powers to withdraw their forces as well.
Khrushchev's strategy relied on brinkmanship, a tactic of pushing tensions to the edge of conflict to compel the opponent to back down.
The 1959 Peace Treaty Proposal
- Recognition of Two German States: Khrushchev proposed a treaty recognizing both German states and establishing Berlin as a free city.
- Implied Threat: If the West refused, the USSR would sign a separate treaty with East Germany, forcing the West to negotiate access with the East Germans.
Khrushchev saw the lack of a treaty as a threat to Soviet security, fearing a nationalistic and nuclear-armed West Germany.
Western Responses and Internal Divisions
United States
- Eisenhower's Approach: Favored diplomacy and the idea of Berlin as a free city under UN jurisdiction.
- Kennedy's Stance: Initially focused on flexible diplomacy but later increased military support to demonstrate strength against communism.
Kennedy's actions were largely symbolic, as neither side was willing to risk nuclear war over Berlin.
West Germany and France
- Adenauer's Rejection: The West German Chancellor opposed any treaty with East Germany, fearing socialist influence.
