Pearson Edexcel · A-Level · History
Course version: 9HI0 · Version from Sept 2015
Return to democratic government, 1945–89: creation of the Federal Republic…
Full specification wording
Political and governmental change, 1918–89: Return to democratic government, 1945–89: creation of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), 1945–49; consolidation under Adenauer and Erhard, 1949–65; maintaining political stability under Brandt, Schmidt and Kohl, 1965–89.
After 1945, Germany was divided and occupied.
Checked against the Pearson Edexcel 9HI0 specification (opens in a new tab) on .
- Point 3 of 3
- 4 key terms
Study notes
From the checked teaching notes for this specification point.
The idea
After 1945, Germany was divided and occupied. In the western zones, the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) of 1949 created the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), a parliamentary democracy with a chancellor, a ceremonial president, a bicameral legislature and a strong constitutional court. The FRG's 'social market economy', associated with Erhard, and Adenauer's Western integration (NATO, EEC) underpinned consolidation, 1949–65. From 1965, Brandt's Ostpolitik, Schmidt's crisis management and Kohl's later chancellorship maintained stability, though challenged by terrorism and economic shifts. The FRG's democratic stability is assessed through its institutions, economic performance and popular consent.
What earns the marks
- Explains how the FRG was created 1945–49: wartime conferences, occupation zones, Marshall Plan, Berlin Blockade, and the drafting of the Basic Law.
- Analyses the consolidation under Adenauer and Erhard 1949–65: chancellorship, CDU/CSU dominance, social market economy, Western integration, and the 'economic miracle'.
- Evaluates how political stability was maintained under Brandt, Schmidt and Kohl 1965–89: Ostpolitik, crisis management, coalition changes, and responses to extremism.
- Uses specific evidence, such as the Basic Law's constructive vote of no confidence, the 1957 Rome Treaties, the 1972 Basic Treaty, and the 1982 'Wende'.
- Assesses continuity and change in democratic government across the period, including the role of the Constitutional Court and the party system.
Common mistakes and how to put them right
Confusing the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) with the German Democratic Republic (GDR).
Put it right: The FRG was the western democratic state, while the GDR was the eastern socialist state.
Assuming the FRG was created in 1945.
Put it right: The FRG was formally established in 1949 with the Basic Law.
Overstating the role of the president.
Put it right: The chancellor held executive power, while the president was largely ceremonial.
Exam tips
- Plan essays around clear criteria, such as political, economic and social stability, and apply them consistently to each chancellor.
- Integrate precise dates and terms, for example the Basic Law (1949), the Hallstein Doctrine (1955), and the 1972 Basic Treaty.
- When assessing 'maintaining stability', weigh achievements against challenges like the 1977 'German Autumn' and economic recessions.
Try the lesson
The start of the Political and governmental change, 1918–89: Return to democratic government, 1945–89: creation of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), 1945–49; consolidation under Adenauer and Erhard, 1949–65; maintaining political stability under Brandt, Schmidt and Kohl, 1965–89. lesson, made from checked teaching notes for this specification point.
Have a go first
How did the 1949 Basic Law seek to ensure political stability in the newly created Federal Republic of Germany?
Listen
After 1945, Germany was divided and occupied. In the western zones, the Basic Law (Grundgesetz) of 1949 created the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG), a parliamentary democracy with a chancellor, a ceremonial president, a bicameral legislature and a strong constitutional court. The FRG's 'social market economy', associated with Erhard, and Adenauer's Western integration (NATO, EEC) underpinned consolidation, 1949–65. From 1965, Brandt's Ostpolitik, Schmidt's crisis management and Kohl's later chancellorship maintained stability, though challenged by terrorism and economic shifts. The FRG's democratic stability is assessed through its institutions, economic performance and popular consent. A strong answer earns marks for these points. Explains how the FRG was created 1945–49: wartime conferences, occupation zones, Marshall Plan, Berlin Blockade, and the drafting of the Basic Law. Analyses the consolidation under Adenauer and Erhard 1949–65: chancellorship, CDU/CSU dominance, social market economy, Western integration, and the 'economic miracle'. Evaluates how political stability was maintained under Brandt, Schmidt and Kohl 1965–89: Ostpolitik, crisis management, coalition changes, and responses to extremism. Uses specific evidence, such as the Basic Law's constructive vote of no confidence, the 1957 Rome Treaties, the 1972 Basic Treaty, and the 1982 'Wende'. A common slip: Confusing the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) with the German Democratic Republic (GDR). Instead, the FRG was the western democratic state, while the GDR was the eastern socialist state. Exam tip: Plan essays around clear criteria, such as political, economic and social stability, and apply them consistently to each chancellor.
Key words
Say what each word means before you turn the card.
Basic Law (Grundgesetz)
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Social market economy
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Western integration
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Ostpolitik
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See every definition
- Basic Law (Grundgesetz)
- Created the Federal Republic of Germany in 1949 as a parliamentary democracy with a chancellor, a ceremonial president, a bicameral legislature and a strong constitutional court.
- Social market economy
- Associated with Erhard, it underpinned consolidation in the Federal Republic of Germany, 1949–65.
- Western integration
- Associated with Adenauer, it involved NATO and the EEC and underpinned consolidation, 1949–65.
- Ostpolitik
- Associated with Brandt from 1965, it helped maintain stability, though challenged by terrorism and economic shifts.
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