Misplaced Pages

Reconstruction of Germany: Difference between revisions

Article snapshot taken from Wikipedia with creative commons attribution-sharealike license. Give it a read and then ask your questions in the chat. We can research this topic together.
Browse history interactively← Previous editContent deleted Content addedVisualWikitext
Revision as of 21:35, 6 February 2007 editSmackBot (talk | contribs)3,734,324 editsm Date/fix maintenance tags← Previous edit Latest revision as of 01:31, 12 October 2024 edit undoGregTurkington (talk | contribs)22 editsm →See also: Added a link to Jus post bellum, relevant to the idea of rebuilding after war as a moral argument.Tag: Visual edit 
(214 intermediate revisions by more than 100 users not shown)
Line 1: Line 1:
{{short description|Overview of the reconstruction of Germany}}
The '''rehabilitation of Germany after ]''' was a long process. After the war, ] suffered heavy losses: the countries' cities were severely damaged from the heavy bombings in the closing chapters of World War II, agricultural production was only 35% of what it was before the war. 7,5 million Germans had been killed during the war, roughly 11 percent of the population (see also ]).
] and pre-war German territory ceded to Poland and the Soviet Union. (click to enlarge)]]
The '''reconstruction of Germany''' was a long process of rebuilding ] after the destruction endured during ]. Germany suffered heavy losses during the war, both in lives and industrial power. Approximately 6.9 to 7.5 million Germans died, representing roughly 8.5 percent of the German population and a fraction of total ] estimated at 70 to 85 million people.<ref>Wirtschaft und Statistik October 1956, Journal published by Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland. (German government Statistical Office)</ref><ref>The Statistisches Jahrbuch für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland 1960, pp. 78-79</ref> The country's cities were severely damaged from heavy bombing in the closing chapters of the war and agricultural production was only 35 percent of what it was before the war.


At the ] the victorious allies ceeded roughly 25% of Germanys pre-war territory to ] and the ]. The German population in this area was expelled by force, together with the Germans of the ] and the German populations scattered throughout the rest of ]. Millions died in the process. (See also ]). As a result the ] grew in the "new" Germany that remained after the dismemberment. At the ], the victorious Allies ceded roughly 25 percent of Germany's pre-Anschluss territory to Poland and the ]. The German population in this area was ], together with the Germans of the ] and the German populations scattered throughout the rest of Eastern Europe. Between 1.5 and 2 million are said to have died in the process, depending on source. As a result, the population density grew in the "new" Germany that remained after the dismemberment.


As agreed at Potsdam an attempt was made to convert Germany into a pastoral and agricultural nation, which would only be allowed light industry. Huge amounts of factories were dismantled as reparations or simply destroyed. (see also the ]). Due to these policies large numbers of German civilians died in the years following the uncondiditonal surrender in what would eventually become ]. (See also ]). As agreed at Potsdam, an attempt was made to convert Germany into a pastoral and agricultural nation, allowing only light industry. Many factories were dismantled as reparations or were simply destroyed as proposed in the ]. Millions of German ] were for several years used as ], by both the ] and the ].


⚫ Beginning immediately after the German surrender and continuing for the next two years, the United States pursued a vigorous program to harvest all technological and scientific know-how, as well as all patents in Germany. John Gimbel comes to the conclusion in his book, ''Science Technology and Reparations: Exploitation and Plunder in Post-war Germany'', that the "intellectual reparations" taken by the U.S. and the UK amounted to close to $10 billion, equivalent to around $150 billion in 2024,<ref>{{Cite book|title=The Russians in Germany|last=M. Naimark|first=Norman|pages=206}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|title=Operation Paperclip : the secret intelligence program to bring Nazi scientists to America|last=Jacobsen|first=Annie|publisher=New York: Little, Brown and Company|year=2014|isbn=978-0316221054}}</ref> concurrent to ].
Millions of German ] were for several years used as ], both by the Western and Eastern Allies.


As soon as 1945, the Allied forces worked heavily on removing ] influence from Germany in a process dubbed as "]".<ref>{{Cite book|title=Exorcising Hitler: The Occupation and Denazification of Germany|last=Taylor|first=Frederick|publisher=Bloomsbury Publishing|year=2011|isbn=978-1408822128}}</ref>
⚫ Beginning immediately after the German surrender and continuing for the next two years the U.S. pursued a vigorous program to harvest all technological and scientific know-how as well as all patents in Germany. John Gimbel comes to the conclusion, in his book ''Science Technology and Reparations: Exploitation and Plunder in Postwar Germany'', that the "intellectual reparations" taken by the U.S. and the UK amounted to close to $10 Billion dollars--equivalent to around $100 billion dollars in 2006 (Ref: Norman M. Naimark The Russians in Germany pg. 206) (see also ]).


⚫ By mid-1947, the success of denazification and the start of the ] led to a re-consideration of policy, as the Germans were seen as possible allies in the contest, and it was becoming clear that the economic recovery of Europe was dependent on the reactivation of German industry. With the repudiation of the U.S. occupation directive JCS 1067 in July 1947, the Western Allies were able to start planning for the introduction of a currency reform to halt the rampant inflation. This type of action to help the German economy had been prohibited by the directive.
⚫ ==Rehabilitation==


⚫ In 1947, the ], initially known as the "European Recovery Program" was initiated. In the years 1947–1952, some $13 billion of economic and technical assistance{{snd}}equivalent to around $140 billion in 2017{{snd}}were allocated to Western Europe. Despite protests from many beneficiaries, the Marshall Plan, although in the less generous form of loans, was in 1949 extended to also include the newly formed West Germany. In the years 1949–1952, West Germany received loans which totaled $1.45 billion, equivalent to around $19 billion in 2024.
⚫ By mid 1947 the start of the ] had lead to a reconsideration of policy, as the Germans were seen as possible allies in the conflict and the dawning realisation that the Economic recovery of Europe was dependent on the reactivation of German industry. With the repudiation of the U.S. occupation directive JCS 1067 in July 1947 the Western Allies were able to start planning for the introduction of a ] to halt the rampant inflation. This type of act to help the German economy had been prohibited by the directive and its execution also lead to the eventual division of Germany. (see also ])


The country subsequently began a slow but continuous improvement of its ], with the export of local products, a reduction in unemployment, increased food production, and a reduced ].
In ], the ] replaced the ] as the ] of the Western occupation zones, leading to their eventual economic recovery.


In 1948, the ] replaced the ] currency as the currency of the Western occupation zones, leading to their eventual economic recovery.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|url=http://www.bundesbank.de/Redaktion/EN/Downloads/Publications/Monthly_Report_Articles/2002/2002_03_circulation_mark.pdf?__blob=publicationFile|title=Circulation of the Deutsche Mark - from currency reform to European monetary union|date=March 2002|website=Bundesbank|access-date=2016-09-15|archive-date=2017-01-24|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170124020614/http://www.bundesbank.de/Redaktion/EN/Downloads/Publications/Monthly_Report_Articles/2002/2002_03_circulation_mark.pdf?__blob=publicationFile|url-status=dead}}</ref>
⚫ In 1947 the ], initially known as the "European Recovery Program" was initiated. In the year 1947-1952 some $13 billion of economic and technical assistance—equivalent to around $130 billion in 2006-- were allocated to Westen Europe. Despite protests from many beneficiarys the Marshall plan, although in the less generous form of loans, was in 1949 extended to also include the newly formed ]. In the years 1949-1952 West Germany received loans which totalled $1,45 Billion dollars--equivalent to around $14,5 billion in 2006.


By 1950, the UK and France were finally induced to follow the U.S. lead, and stop the dismantling of German ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.cvce.eu/obj/message_for_monsieur_schuman_from_mr_bevin-en-0fc42bca-95ef-4f07-bf54-2c23d3e015a2.html|title=Message for Monsieur Schuman from Mr Bevin|last=Bevin|first=Ernest|website=CVCE|date=7 March 2015 |access-date=2016-09-15}}</ref> The country's economic recovery under the newly formed democratic government was, once it was permitted, swift and effective. During the mid-1950s, the unemployment rate in Germany was so low that it led to an influx of Turkish immigrants into the country's ].{{Citation needed|date=February 2007}} Germany's economy continued to improve until the ].
The country subsequently began exporting local products, reduced ], increased food production, reduced the ], and slowly, but continuously, improved the country's ].


⚫ ==Rehabilitation milestones==
By 1950 the ] and ] were finally forced to stop the dismantling of German heavy industry. .
*In 1946, the US ] (foreign minister) makes the speech ], repudiating the ] policies.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://usa.usembassy.de/etexts/ga4-460906.htm|title=Text of the "Stuttgart Speech"|date=6 September 1946|website=U.S Diplomatic Mission to Germany|access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref>

*In 1947, the ] is rescinded.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.usip.org/publications/the-road-ahead-lessons-in-nation-building-japan-germany-and-afghanistan-postwar-iraq|title=The Road Ahead: Lessons in Nation Building from Japan, Germany, and Afghanistan for Postwar Iraq|last=Jennings|first=Ray Salvatore|date=1 May 2003|website=United States Institute of Peace|publisher=Peaceworks|access-date=15 September 2016}}</ref>
The country's economic recovery was, once it was permitted, swift and effective; during the mid-1950s, the unemployment rate in Germany was so low that it led to the influx of ] immigrants into the country's ].{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Germany's economy continued to improved until the ]. (see also ]))
*In 1948, the ] replaces the almost worthless ] in the ] western occupation zones, initiating the start of economic recovery in western Germany.<ref name=":0" />

*In 1949, West Germany is formed from the Western occupation zones, with the exception of the ].
==Rehabilitation Milestones==
⚫ *In 1949, the ] is extended to include West Germany.

⚫ *In 1950, the dismantling of West German heavy industry ends.
*In 1946 the US foreign minister made the speech ], repudiating the Morgenthau plan policies.
⚫ *In 1955, the military occupation of West Germany ends.

⚫ *In 1955, ], which was formed in 1949, allows West Germany to join.
*In 1947 the ] was rescinded
⚫ *In 1957, France returns the ] to West Germany.

*In 1949 West Germany is formed from the Western occupation zones, with the exception of the ]. *In 1957, West Germany is one of the founding nations of the ].
⚫ *In 1973, West Germany joins the ] (formed in 1945).

⚫ *In 1991, a unified Germany is allowed by the Allies of World War II to become fully ] after signing the ].
⚫ *In 1949 the Marshall Plan is extended to also include West Germany.

⚫ *In 1950 dismantling of West German heavy industry ends.

⚫ *In 1955 the military occupation of West Germany ends.

⚫ *In 1955 ], which was formed in 1949, allowed West Germany to join.

⚫ *In 1957 France returned the ] to West Germany.

*In 1957 West Germany was one of the founding nations of the ]

⚫ *In 1973 West Germany joined the ] (formed in 1945).

⚫ *In 1991 a unified Germany was allowed by the Allies of WW2 to become fully ] after signing the ].


==See also== ==See also==
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ] * ]
* ]
* ]
* ]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

==External links==
*


] ]
]

Latest revision as of 01:31, 12 October 2024

Overview of the reconstruction of Germany
Map showing the Oder–Neisse line and pre-war German territory ceded to Poland and the Soviet Union. (click to enlarge)

The reconstruction of Germany was a long process of rebuilding Germany after the destruction endured during World War II. Germany suffered heavy losses during the war, both in lives and industrial power. Approximately 6.9 to 7.5 million Germans died, representing roughly 8.5 percent of the German population and a fraction of total World War II casualties estimated at 70 to 85 million people. The country's cities were severely damaged from heavy bombing in the closing chapters of the war and agricultural production was only 35 percent of what it was before the war.

At the Potsdam Conference, the victorious Allies ceded roughly 25 percent of Germany's pre-Anschluss territory to Poland and the Soviet Union. The German population in this area was expelled, together with the Germans of the Sudetenland and the German populations scattered throughout the rest of Eastern Europe. Between 1.5 and 2 million are said to have died in the process, depending on source. As a result, the population density grew in the "new" Germany that remained after the dismemberment.

As agreed at Potsdam, an attempt was made to convert Germany into a pastoral and agricultural nation, allowing only light industry. Many factories were dismantled as reparations or were simply destroyed as proposed in the Morgenthau Plan. Millions of German prisoners of war were for several years used as forced labor, by both the Western Allies and the Soviet Union.

Beginning immediately after the German surrender and continuing for the next two years, the United States pursued a vigorous program to harvest all technological and scientific know-how, as well as all patents in Germany. John Gimbel comes to the conclusion in his book, Science Technology and Reparations: Exploitation and Plunder in Post-war Germany, that the "intellectual reparations" taken by the U.S. and the UK amounted to close to $10 billion, equivalent to around $150 billion in 2024, concurrent to Operation Paperclip.

As soon as 1945, the Allied forces worked heavily on removing Nazi influence from Germany in a process dubbed as "denazification".

By mid-1947, the success of denazification and the start of the Cold War led to a re-consideration of policy, as the Germans were seen as possible allies in the contest, and it was becoming clear that the economic recovery of Europe was dependent on the reactivation of German industry. With the repudiation of the U.S. occupation directive JCS 1067 in July 1947, the Western Allies were able to start planning for the introduction of a currency reform to halt the rampant inflation. This type of action to help the German economy had been prohibited by the directive.

In 1947, the Marshall Plan, initially known as the "European Recovery Program" was initiated. In the years 1947–1952, some $13 billion of economic and technical assistance – equivalent to around $140 billion in 2017 – were allocated to Western Europe. Despite protests from many beneficiaries, the Marshall Plan, although in the less generous form of loans, was in 1949 extended to also include the newly formed West Germany. In the years 1949–1952, West Germany received loans which totaled $1.45 billion, equivalent to around $19 billion in 2024.

The country subsequently began a slow but continuous improvement of its standard of living, with the export of local products, a reduction in unemployment, increased food production, and a reduced black market.

In 1948, the Deutsche Mark replaced the occupation currency as the currency of the Western occupation zones, leading to their eventual economic recovery.

By 1950, the UK and France were finally induced to follow the U.S. lead, and stop the dismantling of German heavy industry. The country's economic recovery under the newly formed democratic government was, once it was permitted, swift and effective. During the mid-1950s, the unemployment rate in Germany was so low that it led to an influx of Turkish immigrants into the country's labor force. Germany's economy continued to improve until the 1973 oil crisis.

Rehabilitation milestones

See also

References

  1. Wirtschaft und Statistik October 1956, Journal published by Statistisches Bundesamt Deutschland. (German government Statistical Office)
  2. The Statistisches Jahrbuch für die Bundesrepublik Deutschland 1960, pp. 78-79
  3. M. Naimark, Norman. The Russians in Germany. p. 206.
  4. Jacobsen, Annie (2014). Operation Paperclip : the secret intelligence program to bring Nazi scientists to America. New York: Little, Brown and Company. ISBN 978-0316221054.
  5. Taylor, Frederick (2011). Exorcising Hitler: The Occupation and Denazification of Germany. Bloomsbury Publishing. ISBN 978-1408822128.
  6. ^ "Circulation of the Deutsche Mark - from currency reform to European monetary union" (PDF). Bundesbank. March 2002. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2017-01-24. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
  7. Bevin, Ernest (7 March 2015). "Message for Monsieur Schuman from Mr Bevin". CVCE. Retrieved 2016-09-15.
  8. "Text of the "Stuttgart Speech"". U.S Diplomatic Mission to Germany. 6 September 1946. Retrieved 15 September 2016.
  9. Jennings, Ray Salvatore (1 May 2003). "The Road Ahead: Lessons in Nation Building from Japan, Germany, and Afghanistan for Postwar Iraq". United States Institute of Peace. Peaceworks. Retrieved 15 September 2016.

External links

Categories: