Germany was one of the main aggressors in World War II, and after its defeat, it was divided into four zones of occupation. The United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union each controlled a portion of the country. The division of Germany led to the creation of two separate states: the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction
Germany was one of the main aggressors in World War II, and after its defeat, it was divided into four zones of occupation. The United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union each controlled a portion of the country. The division of Germany led to the creation of two separate states: the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany).
The Four Zones of Occupation
The four zones of occupation were established at the Potsdam Conference in 1945. The United States, Great Britain, and France each controlled a zone in western Germany, while the Soviet Union controlled the eastern portion of the country. The city of Berlin, which was located entirely within the Soviet zone, was also divided into four sectors.
The Creation of West Germany
In 1949, the three western zones of occupation were merged to form the Federal Republic of Germany. The country was a democratic state and was aligned with the Western powers. The capital of West Germany was Bonn.
The Creation of East Germany
The Soviet zone of occupation became the German Democratic Republic in 1949. The country was a socialist state and was aligned with the Soviet Union. The capital of East Germany was Berlin (East).
The Effects of the Division
The division of Germany had a profound effect on the country and its people. Families were separated, and many Germans found themselves living in a foreign country. The country was also split ideologically, with West Germany becoming a democracy and East Germany becoming a socialist state.
The Berlin Wall
In 1961, the East German government built a wall around West Berlin to stop people from fleeing to the West. The Berlin Wall became a symbol of the division of Germany and the Cold War. It was not until 1989 that the wall was torn down and Germany was reunited.
The Reunification of Germany
The fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the end of the division of Germany. In 1990, the two German states were reunited to form a single country. The capital of Germany was moved back to Berlin.
Question & Answer
Q: Why was Germany divided after World War II?
A: Germany was divided after World War II because it was one of the main aggressors in the war and was defeated by the Allied powers.
Q: When was West Germany created?
A: West Germany was created in 1949, when the three western zones of occupation were merged.
Q: When was the Berlin Wall torn down?
A: The Berlin Wall was torn down in 1989.
Conclusion
The division of Germany after World War II had a significant impact on the country and its people. It led to the creation of two separate states, each with its own political and economic system. The division also led to the building of the Berlin Wall, which became a symbol of the Cold War. The fall of the wall in 1989 marked the beginning of the end of the division of Germany, and the country was reunited in 1990.
