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West Germany's Reconciliation with the West - Coggle Diagram
West Germany's Reconciliation with the West
Adenauer’s primary aim was to reintegrate West Germany into the West. He successfully did so and made West Germany an integral member of Western Europe.
Military integration
Military integration was the most divisive issue.
Despite Adenauer’s efforts to regain the trust of Western Europe, many countries were reluctant to allow rearmament. They feared West Germany would try and reunify with East Germany.
In 1955, however, West Germany was allowed to rearm.
But this military rearmament was allowed out of necessity. West Germany was the buffer between the Soviet Bloc and Western Europe, therefore it needed to be militarily strong.
Rapprochement with France
In the 1950s, France was willing to have a rapprochement (harmonious relationship) with West Germany. This is markedly different from the aftermath o WW1.
The main condition for rapprochement was West Germany accepting the division of Germany and not seeking reunification.
This was cemented through West Germany becoming part of international institutions, such as NATO and the EEC.
Cooperation between the countries was sealed by the Élysée Treaty in 1963.
International organisations
Adenauer negotiated West Germany’s entrance into international organisations.
In 1948, the FRG joined the Council of Europe.
In 1949, the FRG joined the Organisation for European Economic Co-operation (OEEC).
In 1951, the FRG joined the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC).
In 1955, the FRG joined NATO.
In 1957, the FRG joined the European Economic Community (EEC) and joined the European Atomic Energy Community (EURATOM).
Political integration
West Germany became a central member in West European politics.
Through joining the Council of Europe, NATO and the EEC, Adenauer demonstrated West Germany’s commitment to the West and rejection of the East.
Economic integration
West Germany was recognised as a key member in reconstructing Western Europe’s economy.
This is best seen in West Germany regaining control of its coal and steel industry in 1951 (being formally recognised as an equal with France).