FRG elections of 1953, 1957 and 1961 (OCR A-Level History A): Revision Notes

FRG elections of 1953, 1957 and 1961

On 6 September 1953, the second federal elections took place in West Germany. Adenauer remained as chancellor, defeating new SPD leader Erich Ollenhauer. Unlike his predecessor (Kurt Schumacher), Ollenhauer was more moderate.

In 1953, Adenauer was the leader of a board coalition including most minority parties, except the SPD and Centre Party.

On 15 September 1957, the third Bundestag election was held. It was the first West German election to include Saarland, a former French protectorate. Again, Adenauer's coalition (CDU-CSU) became an outright majority. Historians suggest that West Germany's independence in 1955 and participation in the EEC in early 1957 made Adenauer and his party popular. With a growing economy and decreasing unemployment, many felt more secure in 1957 compared to previous elections (1949 and 1953).

With 50.2% seats in the Bundestag, the 1957 elections became the only time in German postwar history that a party won an absolute majority.

Adenauer in 1957

---

On 17 September 1961, the fourth federal election was held in West Germany. The SPD's chancellor candidate was Willy Brandt, governing mayor of West Berlin. It was the first time that the SPD nominated a non chairman of the party as candidate. In addition to Adenauer's advanced age (85 year old), many criticised his response to the crisis in Berlin. Moreover, unlike Eisenhower's obvious support in 1957, the Kennedy administration had not expressed its full support to Adenauer. With a very slim margin, Adenauer's coalition (CDU/CSU-FDP) still dominated the Bundestag.

1961 election posters