The Origins of Post-War German Politics (RLE: German Politics) [Paperback]

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.

Introduction. 1. Britain and the Occupation of Germany 2. Local Life under Military government during the Interregnum: April  August 1945 3. First Political Developments During the Interregnum 4. The Democratisation of Local Government 5. The Organisational Framework 6. The Political Parties 7. Conclusions

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. 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.