schmidt era

• schmidt - 1974-1982
• popular chancellor who was elected in 1976 and 1980 , well-respected
• schmidt continued Brandts Ostpolitik
• he tried to develop ties between FRG and GDR , also cultiviated relationships with countires in Soviet Bloc
• 1980s - global recession , Schmidt refused to cut gov spending on social welfare , led to internal dissent in gov and FDP defected
• schmidt formed coalition gov with FDP
• Oct 1982 - lost vote of no confidence , resigned
• factors that led to schmidts + SPD downfall


  • policies aimed at reducing inflation
  • growing support for green party
  • growing tension with FPD
  • deciding whether or to to allow nuclear weapons to be based in FRG terriority
• seamless transition from Brandt's scandal to schmidt in 1982 evidences the maturity + stability of FRG political system