Germany from Defeat to Partition, 1945-1963 (Seminar Studies In History) Book

This book covers the years 1945-63 which witnessed the total defeat of the Third Reich, the occupation and evolution of the German Federal Republic and German Democratic Republic. Books in this Seminar Studies in History series bridge the gap between textbook and specialist survey and consists of a brief "Introduction" and/or "Background" to the subject, valuable in bringing the reader up-to-speed on the area being examined, followed by a substantial and authoritative section of "Analysis" focusing on the main themes and issues. There is a succinct "Assessment" of the subject, a generous selection of "Documents" and a detailed bibliography. How did Germany survive World War Two? The impact of the occupation is analyzed, as are the events leading to the division of Germany. In the Federal German Republic (FRG), the nature of Adenauer's success in creating a democracy is analyzed, as is the West German 'economic miracle'. There is also a chapter specifically on social and cultural developments in the FRG. The German Democratic Republic (GDR) is treated equally comprehensively with particular attention being paid to the Socialist Unity Party and how it was able to survive the riots of 17-18 June 1953 and came dominate the GDR. The events leading up to the construction of the Berlin Wall are also carefully covered. In the Conclusion a comparative summary of the two German states is made in the light of key themes. For readers interested in post-war Germany or European history.