Berlin 1958-63

• What was the division of Berlin after the Second World War?

  Berlin was divided into four zones controlled by the USA, Britain, France, and the Soviet Union.
• How did the governance of Berlin change by the 1950s?

  The Western powers created the FRG (West Germany) while the Soviet Union formed the GDR (East Germany), leading to a formal divide.
• What was the impact of the Berlin Blockade on the city?

  The Berlin Blockade led to a more formal division between East and West Berlin.
• What was the economic situation in West Berlin during the 1950s?


  West Berlin, under the FRG, received Marshall Aid and became prosperous.
• How did life differ between East and West Berlin?

  West Berliners had access to well-paid jobs and a high standard of living, while East Berliners faced restrictions and limited consumerism.
• What were some of the issues faced by East Germans in the GDR?

  East Germans experienced food shortages, poor-quality housing, and lack of freedom of speech or protest.
• What role did the Stasi play in East Germany?

  The Stasi monitored dissent and arrested many East Germans, subjecting them to torture and imprisonment.
• What was the significance of the protests on 16th June 1953 in East Berlin?

  The protests indicated widespread discontent with the East German government and spread across multiple towns in the GDR.
• How did the refugee crisis in Berlin develop by 1958?

  The refugee crisis developed as many East Germans began to leave due to dissatisfaction with Soviet rule.
• How many Germans had left the GDR by 1958?

  Approximately three million Germans had left the GDR by 1958.
• What was the impact of the refugee crisis on East Germany's population?

  East Germany experienced a significant decline in population, leading to unfilled job vacancies.
• How did the refugee crisis affect Cold War relations?


  The refugee crisis created a skills gap in the GDR and embarrassed Khrushchev, showing the failure of Soviet propaganda.
• What was Khrushchev's response to the refugee crisis?

  Khrushchev took decisive action to stop people from leaving East Germany through Berlin.
• What was the purpose of Khrushchev's ultimatum in October 1958?

  Khrushchev demanded that the West recognize the GDR as an independent country of the Soviet Union.
• What did Khrushchev's ultimatum indicate about his leadership style?

  Khrushchev's ultimatum reflected his aggressive approach to preserving the reputation of the Soviet Union.
• How did the refugee crisis challenge Soviet propaganda?

  The refugee crisis demonstrated that many citizens under communist rule preferred Western capitalism and democracy.
• What was the economic impact of the refugee crisis on the GDR?

  The loss of labor due to the refugee crisis cost the GDR between $7 billion to $9 billion.
• What was the population of working-age individuals in the GDR before the Second World War?

  Before the Second World War, 70.5% of the GDR's population was of working age.
• How did Khrushchev's ultimatum put the USA in a difficult position?

  Khrushchev's demand for Berlin to become a 'free city' portrayed the Soviet Union as peaceful, while a refusal would make the USA appear power-hungry.
• What was Khrushchev's ultimate goal regarding Berlin?

  Khrushchev aimed to incorporate the whole of Berlin into the Soviet Union and reduce Western influence.
• What were the main consequences of the Berlin refugee crisis?

  • Significant population decline in East Germany
  • Skills gap due to loss of middle-class professionals
  • Economic loss estimated between $7 billion to $9 billion
  • Increased tensions between the USA and the Soviet Union
  • Khrushchev's aggressive stance towards the West
• What were the key points in the chain of impacts regarding the refugee crisis and US-Soviet relations?


  1. Three million refugees left East Germany by 1958
  2. This migration contradicted Soviet propaganda
  3. Khrushchev could not allow this propaganda failure
  4. The crisis forced Khrushchev to adopt a more aggressive approach towards the USA
• What did the USA hope regarding Germany?

  The USA hoped that Germany would become one country soon.
• What demand did Khrushchev issue on 27th October 1958?


  Khrushchev issued his ultimatum to the West.
• How did Khrushchev's ultimatum affect the USA's position?

  Khrushchev's ultimatum put the USA in an awkward position.
• What did Khrushchev's request for Berlin to become a 'free city' imply?

  It showed the Soviet Union as a peaceful nation.
• What would happen if the USA refused Khrushchev's demand?

  If the USA refused, it would make them look power-hungry.
• What was Khrushchev's true intention regarding Berlin?

  Khrushchev had no intention to make Berlin independent; he wanted to incorporate the whole of Berlin into the Soviet Union.
• What political tactic did Khrushchev use regarding Berlin's transport network?

  Giving control of Berlin's transport network to the GDR was a clever political tactic.
• What was the consequence of the West needing to negotiate with the GDR?

  This would force the USA to acknowledge that the GDR was an independent country.
• What historical context is provided regarding 'free cities'?

  The establishment of 'free cities' occurred after the First World War.
• Why was Berlin considered an ideal location for a free city?

  Berlin was an ideal location due to its contested status and geographical significance.
• How did the political environment of the 1950s differ from the 1920s regarding Berlin?

  The political environment of the 1950s was very different; the West did not want to collaborate with the Soviet Union.
• What was the outcome of Khrushchev's Ultimatum on US-Soviet relations?

  Khrushchev's Ultimatum had a significant impact on US-Soviet relations.
• How did Eisenhower perceive Khrushchev's actions?

  Eisenhower considered Khrushchev's action as a way to force the USA out of Berlin.
• What was Khrushchev's belief regarding his ultimatum?

  Khrushchev believed that making an ultimatum was the only way to stop the mass migration out of the GDR.
• What was the FRG's Chancellor Konrad Adenauer's stance on the GDR?

  Konrad Adenauer did not want to recognize the GDR as a country.
• What was the USA's position regarding Khrushchev's terms?

  The USA did not want to agree to Khrushchev's terms.
• What occurred between 1959 and 1961 regarding the Berlin problem?

  The USA held peace talks with the Soviet Union to discuss better solutions to the 'Berlin problem'.
• What was the significance of the Berlin summits from 1959 to 1961?

  The summits established a closer relationship between the USA and the Soviet Union.