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Ostpolitik: relations with West Germany, 1969 to 87
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West German Chancellor Willy Brandt changed his country's policy towards the East. Relations between the two German states slowly improved.
Ostpolitik
Ostpolitik ('Eastern policy') was introduced by West German Chancellor Willy Brandt from 1969.
The idea was 'change through rapprochement': better relations would ease life for Germans in the East.
The idea was 'change through rapprochement': better relations would ease life for Germans in the East.
The treaties, 1970 to 72
Moscow Treaty (1970) and Warsaw Treaty (1970): West Germany accepted existing borders.
Four Power Agreement on Berlin (1971): guaranteed access to West Berlin.
Basic Treaty (1972): the FRG and GDR accepted each other in practice. Both joined the UN in 1973.
Four Power Agreement on Berlin (1971): guaranteed access to West Berlin.
Basic Treaty (1972): the FRG and GDR accepted each other in practice. Both joined the UN in 1973.
Results
Some travel restrictions were eased; more West Germans could visit relatives in the East, and phone and postal links improved.
The GDR gained international recognition and West German money.
In 1987 Honecker visited West Germany.
The GDR gained international recognition and West German money.
In 1987 Honecker visited West Germany.
What did the GDR gain from Ostpolitik?
- The Basic Treaty meant West Germany accepted it in practice.
- It joined the UN and was recognised by many countries.
- It also received money from West Germany.
Answer: International recognition, UN membership and West German money.
Ostpolitik (from 1969) was Willy Brandt's policy of better relations with the East. Treaties: Moscow and Warsaw (1970), the Four Power Agreement on Berlin (1971), the Basic Treaty (1972). Both states joined the UN (1973). Travel and contacts improved; Honecker visited the FRG in 1987.
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