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The Creation of East & West Germany (AQA GCSE History) : Revision Note

Zoe Wade

Written by: Zoe Wade

Reviewed by: Bridgette Barrett

Updated on

The Creation of East & West Germany - Summary

When the Berlin Airlift forced the Soviet Union to end the Berlin Blockade in May 1949, the Western allies quickly moved to create a separate West Germany known as the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG).

A few months later, Stalin and the Soviet Union created the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in East Germany.

Neither of the two German states officially recognised the other until the early 1970s.

West Germany - The FRG, May 1949

  • After the Soviet Union lifted the Berlin Blockade, it was clear that Germany would continue to be divided

  • The members of Trizonia acted first and officially created the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in West Germany

The process of creating the FRG

A timeline showing the formation of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) in 1949. The first box, dated 23 May 1949, states that the USA, Britain, and France joined together to create the FRG. The second box, dated 14 August 1949, explains that West Germans elected their own parliament called the Bundestag. The third box, dated 15 September 1949, shows that Konrad Adenauer became the first democratically elected Chancellor of the FRG. Pink arrows between each box indicate the chronological flow of these key post-war developments in West Germany.
A timeline showing the events that established the FRG

  • The city of Bonn was chosen as the capital

  • West Berlin continued to be controlled by and owned by the FRG

East Germany - The GDR, October 1949

  • Stalin responded to the creation of the FRG by formally creating a new state in East Germany known as the German Democratic Republic (GDR)

The process of creating the GDR

A timeline showing the formation of the German Democratic Republic (GDR) in 1949. The first box, dated 7 October 1949, explains that the Soviet Union created the GDR. The second box, also dated 7 October 1949, states that the Volkskammer (People’s Chamber) was established as East Germany’s new parliament. The third box, dated 11 October 1949, announces that Wilhelm Pieck of the Socialist Unity Party of Germany (SED) became the first president of the GDR. Pink arrows between each box indicate the chronological progression of events.
A timeline showing the events that established the GDR

  • East Berlin remained the capital

  • Only the East recognised the GDR as a nation

  • East Germany and West Germany did not recognise each other as official states until 1972

  • Cold War tensions increased following the creation of both the FRG and GDR

Examiner Tips and Tricks

Whilst the AQA GCSE History Conflict and Tension Between East and West exam is unlikely to ask you solely on your knowledge of the creation of East and West Germany, it could be useful knowledge for questions on:

  • the consequences of the Berlin Blockade and/or Berlin Airlift

  • the events in Berlin in 1948-1949

  • Cold War tensions by 1949

  • causes of the building of the Berlin Wall

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    Author
    Reviewer
    Zoe Wade

    Author: Zoe Wade

    Expertise: History Content Creator

    Zoe has worked in education for 10 years as a teaching assistant and a teacher. This has given her an in-depth perspective on how to support all learners to achieve to the best of their ability. She has been the Lead of Key Stage 4 History, showing her expertise in the Edexcel GCSE syllabus and how best to revise. Ever since she was a child, Zoe has been passionate about history. She believes now, more than ever, the study of history is vital to explaining the ever-changing world around us. Zoe’s focus is to create accessible content that breaks down key historical concepts and themes to achieve GCSE success.

    Bridgette Barrett

    Reviewer: Bridgette Barrett

    Expertise: Geography Lead

    After graduating with a degree in Geography, Bridgette completed a PGCE over 25 years ago. She later gained an MA Learning, Technology and Education from the University of Nottingham focussing on online learning. At a time when the study of geography has never been more important, Bridgette is passionate about creating content which supports students in achieving their potential in geography and builds their confidence.