1.3.3 The Government of Willy Brandt, 1969-74

• Brandt's most famous policy was Ostpolitik, which rejected the Hallstein Doctrine and instead focused on reducing tensions with the GDR to allow for closer relations
• Brandt pursued Ostpolitik because he believed that, due to their shared language, history, and families, both the FRG and GDR naturally had close ties. He saw no reason why they couldn't work together for international harmony and to rebuild human connections.
• Process of Ostpolitik:

  1. In 1969, a draft treaty included the recognition of both countries and the entry of the GDR into the United Nations
  2. In 1970, Brandt became the first FRG leader to visit the GDR
  3. The East German minister-president Willy Stoph visited the FRG. He demanded that the FRG recognise the GDR and pay them DM 100 million in compensation for emigrants who had left
  4. The Basic Treaty of June 1973 allowed citizens of the FRG to travel to the GDR
  5. In May 1974, the two countries exchanged diplomats, formally recognising each other
• Brandt's government experienced difficulties with inflation, government spending on welfare and the threat of terrorism. Nevertheless, he was re-elected as chancellor in 1972
• Brandt resigned after a close adviser of his, Gunter Guillaume, was arrested for spying for the GDR in 1974. He was replaced 10 days later by Helmut Schmidt who formed a coalition with the FDP after the 1976 election