About the book
Using newly available material from both sides of the Iron Curtain, William Glenn Gray explores West Germany’s efforts to prevent international acceptance of East Germany as a legitimate state following World War II.
Unwilling to accept the division of their country, West German leaders regarded the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as an illegitimate upstart — a puppet of the occupying Soviet forces. Together with France, Britain, and the United States, West Germany applied political and financial pressure around the globe to ensure that the GDR remain unrecognized by all countries outside the communist camp. Proclamations of ideological solidarity and narrowly targeted bursts of aid gave the GDR momentary leverage in such diverse countries as Egypt, Iraq, Ghana, and Indonesia; yet West Germany’s intimidation tactics, coupled with its vastly superior economic resources, blocked any decisive East German breakthrough.
Gray argues that Bonn’s isolation campaign was dropped not for want of success, but as a result of changes in West German priorities as the struggle against East Germany came to hamper efforts at reconciliation with Israel, Poland, and Yugoslavia — all countries of special relevance to Germany’s recent past. Interest in a morally grounded diplomacy, together with the growing conviction that the GDR could no longer be ignored, led to the abandonment of Bonn’s effective but outdated efforts to hinder worldwide recognition of the East German regime.
Editions of Germany's Cold War
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9780807827581
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781469614717
- EBook
- ISBN 9780807862483
- PDF
- ISBN 9798890874085
Read an Excerpt
Using newly available material from both sides of the Iron Curtain, William Glenn Gray explores West Germany’s efforts to prevent international acceptance of East Germany as a legitimate state following World War II.
Unwilling to accept the division of their country, West German leaders regarded the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as an illegitimate upstart — a puppet of the occupying Soviet forces. Together with France, Britain, and the United States, West Germany applied political and financial pressure around the globe to ensure that the GDR remain unrecognized by all countries outside the communist camp. Proclamations of ideological solidarity and narrowly targeted bursts of aid gave the GDR momentary leverage in such diverse countries as Egypt, Iraq, Ghana, and Indonesia; yet West Germany’s intimidation tactics, coupled with its vastly superior economic resources, blocked any decisive East German breakthrough.
Gray argues that Bonn’s isolation campaign was dropped not for want of success, but as a result of changes in West German priorities as the struggle against East Germany came to hamper efforts at reconciliation with Israel, Poland, and Yugoslavia — all countries of special relevance to Germany’s recent past. Interest in a morally grounded diplomacy, together with the growing conviction that the GDR could no longer be ignored, led to the abandonment of Bonn’s effective but outdated efforts to hinder worldwide recognition of the East German regime.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Germany's Cold War about?
Using newly available material from both sides of the Iron Curtain, William Glenn Gray explores West Germany’s efforts to prevent international acceptance of East Germany as a legitimate state following World War II.
Unwilling to accept the division of their country, West German leaders regarded the German Democratic Republic (GDR) as an illegitimate upstart — a puppet of the occupying Soviet forces. Together with France, Britain, and the United States, West Germany applied political and financial pressure around the globe to ensure that the GDR remain unrecognized by all countries outside the communist camp. Proclamations of ideological solidarity and narrowly targeted bursts of aid gave the GDR momentary leverage in such diverse countries as Egypt, Iraq, Ghana, and Indonesia; yet West Germany’s intimidation tactics, coupled with its vastly superior economic resources, blocked any decisive East German breakthrough.
Gray argues that Bonn’s isolation campaign was dropped not for want of success, but as a result of changes in West German priorities as the struggle against East Germany came to hamper efforts at reconciliation with Israel, Poland, and Yugoslavia — all countries of special relevance to Germany’s recent past. Interest in a morally grounded diplomacy, together with the growing conviction that the GDR could no longer be ignored, led to the abandonment of Bonn’s effective but outdated efforts to hinder worldwide recognition of the East German regime.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Germany's Cold War?
History and Archaeology > History > European history
Where can I read a sample of Germany's Cold War?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780807827581
How long is Germany's Cold War and how many pages does it have?
Germany's Cold War has 368 page(s)
Is Germany's Cold War part of a series, and can it be read as a standalone?
Yes it is a part of series New Cold War History
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Germany's Cold War?
William Glenn Gray
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Germany's Cold War is available as hardcover(ISBN 9780807827581) and paperback(ISBN 9781469614717) and ebook(ISBN 9780807862483) and pdf(ISBN 9798890874085)
Where can I buy Germany's Cold War online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Germany's Cold War from below
Where can I buy Germany's Cold War?