West Germany and France

 

  • In order to make countries feel more secure against conflicts and the advance of Communism, the N.A.T.O. alliance was created in 1949.  The  North Atlantic Treaty Organization would invite most European countries, Canada and the USA to join, making the world a safer place
  • Each country would contribute money, soldiers, military and naval support to help secure the borders of Europe
  • Joseph Stalin was angry about this military alliance and was not willing to join
  • West Germany elected a new Chancellor in 1949 – Konrad Adenauer.  He tried to unite East and West Germany, but failed
  • Occupation of West Germany by USA, British and French forces ended by 1950
  • West Germany became a democratic, economic giant far superior to East Germany, causing many East Germans to begin escaping into the west
  • Most escapes occurred in Berlin, the divided city
  • West Germany improves its economic and social relations with France
  • Coal from France and iron ore from West Germany will be united to make steel  for both countries
  • In a new era of cooperation, the leaders of West Germany, Poland, and France will respect each others borders to improve trade between their countries
  • A new French President, Charles de Gaulle would govern France for more than 20 years.  During which time the E.E.C. – European Economic Community – was created which made trade and commerce easier between most European countries
  • This operation helped France, West Germany, Holland, Denmark, Britain and others recover from the post war hardships after WWII
  • America will emerge as the global economic giant, largely responsible for negotiating and funding most id the social and economic reforms in Europe and in Asia