History revision – The Search for Consensus 1963 – 89 (18)
- Adenauer’s resignation signalled the beginning of the end of a period of twenty years
of conservative ascendancy in W Gr politics
o Followed by a period in which political power was shared between the CDU and
the SPD in coalition with the FDP
- From 1969 to 1982, the SPD emerged as the single most dominant party until Schmidt
was unseated by a vote of no confidence
- These years demonstrated that the FRG could operate in conditions of relative stability
under what was in effect a three-party system
- Emergence of the Greens in the 80’s briefly threatened a 4 party system, but support
for the Greens was never strong enough to make them a viable coalition partner
- Although political stability was sustained, this 3 party consensus was challenged by:
o The extra-parliamentary opposition of the 1960’s
o The urban terrorism of the 70’s
o The environmental peace movements of the 1980’s
Ludwig Erhard (CDU) – 1963 – 66
- Initially it seemed Erhard’s intention was to press ahead with few changes of policy or
direction however, events meant this couldn’t happen
- His period as Chancellor is often seen as a relative failure in comparison to his time as
Economics minister
- However, his reputation as ‘father’ of economic miracle and promises to cut income
tax and increase welfare spending ensured CDU/CSU, with FDP, were successful in
1965 election
Problems for Erhard
- Persistent sniping and public criticism from Adenauer (now Party Chairman)
o Was a constant irritant to Erhard, bitter and ungracious in retirement
- Heightening LW student radicalism was also indication that a new political generation
was emerging who wouldn’t allow Erhard in his 1950’s stance
- Emergence of RW National Democratic Party (NPD) threatening an electoral
breakthrough at federal level, also increased political uncertainties
- Economic situation undermined his credibility
o October 1966 – sets out proposals to tackle 1965 economic recession
Was rejected by his FDP coalition partners
- Subsequent resignation of the FDP cabinet ministers effectively ended his
Chancellorship
- Erhard’s damaged legacy and a set of unfortunate circumstances created sufficient
political turbulence to change the mould of W Gr politics
- Erhard resigned in November 1966
George Kiesinger (CDU) – 1966 – 69
- Had been a supporter of Adenauer
- Talented as mediator and conciliator – this brought him to chancellorship
- Grand Coalition which Kiesinger headed was something of convenience between
CDU/CSU and SPD
o CDU/ CSU had 11 ministers and SPD had 9
- Talented coalition and given its unchallengeable majority in Bundestag, Kiesinger’s
role was largely that of mediator and facilitator which he managed with skill
- Chancellorship steered a middle-way between increasing student agitation on left and
rising NPD on right
- Adenauer’s resignation signalled the beginning of the end of a period of twenty years
of conservative ascendancy in W Gr politics
o Followed by a period in which political power was shared between the CDU and
the SPD in coalition with the FDP
- From 1969 to 1982, the SPD emerged as the single most dominant party until Schmidt
was unseated by a vote of no confidence
- These years demonstrated that the FRG could operate in conditions of relative stability
under what was in effect a three-party system
- Emergence of the Greens in the 80’s briefly threatened a 4 party system, but support
for the Greens was never strong enough to make them a viable coalition partner
- Although political stability was sustained, this 3 party consensus was challenged by:
o The extra-parliamentary opposition of the 1960’s
o The urban terrorism of the 70’s
o The environmental peace movements of the 1980’s
Ludwig Erhard (CDU) – 1963 – 66
- Initially it seemed Erhard’s intention was to press ahead with few changes of policy or
direction however, events meant this couldn’t happen
- His period as Chancellor is often seen as a relative failure in comparison to his time as
Economics minister
- However, his reputation as ‘father’ of economic miracle and promises to cut income
tax and increase welfare spending ensured CDU/CSU, with FDP, were successful in
1965 election
Problems for Erhard
- Persistent sniping and public criticism from Adenauer (now Party Chairman)
o Was a constant irritant to Erhard, bitter and ungracious in retirement
- Heightening LW student radicalism was also indication that a new political generation
was emerging who wouldn’t allow Erhard in his 1950’s stance
- Emergence of RW National Democratic Party (NPD) threatening an electoral
breakthrough at federal level, also increased political uncertainties
- Economic situation undermined his credibility
o October 1966 – sets out proposals to tackle 1965 economic recession
Was rejected by his FDP coalition partners
- Subsequent resignation of the FDP cabinet ministers effectively ended his
Chancellorship
- Erhard’s damaged legacy and a set of unfortunate circumstances created sufficient
political turbulence to change the mould of W Gr politics
- Erhard resigned in November 1966
George Kiesinger (CDU) – 1966 – 69
- Had been a supporter of Adenauer
- Talented as mediator and conciliator – this brought him to chancellorship
- Grand Coalition which Kiesinger headed was something of convenience between
CDU/CSU and SPD
o CDU/ CSU had 11 ministers and SPD had 9
- Talented coalition and given its unchallengeable majority in Bundestag, Kiesinger’s
role was largely that of mediator and facilitator which he managed with skill
- Chancellorship steered a middle-way between increasing student agitation on left and
rising NPD on right
