The Origins of Post-War German Politics

Description

This book discusses how the allies worked towards determining the political future of a defeated Germany. It oulines how the deep ideological divisions within the allied forces ultimately resulted in the division of Germany and discusses how indigenous political movements were impeded by a deeply felt distrust of German nationalism in all organisations. Yes these considerations are seen in the context of the masive logistical problems faced by the allies in restoring order to the chaos of war-ravaged Germany. Focusing on the experiences of Hanover, the book illustrates how post-war German politics are the result of a coalescence of distinct and at times even contradictory ideologies and interests, emphasising how the German political scene can only be understood in terms of the mutual interaction of personalities, beliefs and economics and of indigenous and foreign influences. Cover Half Title Title Copyright Original Title Original Copyright Contents Abbreviations Preface Introduction I Britain and the Occupation of Germany War-time Planning for Germany The London End of the Occupation The Place of 'Germany' in Britain's Post-War International Obligations 1945-47 The Control Office for Germany and Austria The British Move to Germany The End of the War and the Establishment of Military Government in the Zone The CCG in Germany German Preparations for the End of the War and Allied Occupation The British in Hanover II Local Life under Military Government during the 'Interregnum': April - August 1945 The Restoration of Law and Order The Restoration of Basic Services and Supplies The Beginning of the German Administration Denazification III First Political Developments during the 'Interregnum' The Local Political Background British Attitudes The Committee for Reconstruction Works Councils and Trade Unions The Political Parties IV The Democratisation of Local Government British Attitudes Policies Implemented Changes in the Local Constitution and the Civil Service Decentralisation Reforms Tested: Local Politics 1945/46 V The Organisational Framework Works Councils Trade Unions Organisation Trade Unions and Chambers of Industry and Commerce The Trade Unions and Living Conditions VI The Political Parties The SPD The Licensing Process and the State of the Party Schumacher's Vision of a 'New Party': a Summary The Reception of Schumacher's Ideas at the Local Level The SPD in the Town Council The Other Parties The KPD The CDU The FDP The NLP VII Conclusions Appendices References Index