The Role of Germany

Introduction

The Cold War, a period of intense rivalry between the United States and the Soviet Union, was marked by ideological, political, and military conflicts. One of the earliest flashpoints was Germany, which had been divided among the Allied powers. Our focus will be to dissect key moments, such as the Potsdam Agreement and the Berlin Crisis, to understand their implications on the larger Cold War narrative.

The Aftermath of World War Two

Germany was held responsible for both the First and Second World Wars. To prevent a recurrence, the control of Germany was divided among the USA, the UK, France, and the USSR as per the Potsdam Agreement of 1945.

Divided Berlin

The Potsdam Agreement also led to the division of Berlin, the capital city of Germany. The city was situated within the Soviet sector but was divided among all four powers. This division became a point of contention, as the USSR resented the American presence in its zone.

Tensions over Control

While the Soviets were unhappy with the division, they had agreed to it at Potsdam. This contradiction brought into question the legitimacy of Soviet complaints. When free elections were held in the Soviet sector in 1946, less than half the votes went to Communists, yet they seized power, further demonstrating inconsistency in Soviet intentions.

Economic Factors

The USSR began to strip their sector of resources, including moving entire industrial plants and factories eastward. Although they were obliged to send supplies to the western sectors, they failed to do so, which led to resentment among Western powers.

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The Rise of West Germany

The western sectors began to cooperate and even set up a shared currency, the Deutsche Mark, in 1948. By May 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany, commonly known as West Germany, was established. The USSR viewed these actions as a violation of the Potsdam Agreement and grew increasingly alarmed.

The Berlin Crisis

The Soviets sought to remove the Western Allies from Berlin. In June 1948, they blockaded the city, cutting off all road, rail, and canal links. The Allies responded with the Berlin Airlift, flying in nearly two million tonnes of supplies until May 1949, demonstrating both the resolve and capability of the West.

Trust Issues

The Berlin Crisis angered the USA and raised serious questions about the Soviet Union's reliability as a negotiating partner. While the crisis was eventually resolved, it set the stage for continued distrust and conflict that would persist for decades.

Conclusion

The post-World War Two division of Germany and subsequent events like the Berlin Crisis significantly contributed to the onset of the Cold War. These incidents revealed ideological, political, and economic divisions between the United States and the Soviet Union. While the Berlin Crisis did not directly cause the forty-year conflict, it was an early sign of the irreconcilable differences that would define the Cold War era. Understanding the role of Germany provides valuable insights into the larger complexities that fueled this prolonged period of global tension.