Understanding the Occupied Germany: Cultural and Administrative Differences
Historically, Germany was occupied by four major powers following World War II: the Americans, the British, the French, and the Soviets. Each of these occupying forces left distinct cultural and administrative marks on the regions they controlled, with some notable differences still apparent today. Understanding these distinctions provides valuable insights into the diverse influence and interactions of the Allied forces during the post-war period.Administrative and Media Systems
The occupation period saw varying approaches to infrastructure rebuilding and governance. One critical difference was evident in the radio and television broadcasting systems.The British Zone set up a system with a common programme based on the BBC model, funded from a licence fee. This approach emphasized public service broadcasting, offering a unified voice across the region. By contrast, the American Zone utilized a more commercial model with different local stations in each state (Bundesland). This system allowed for a diverse range of local programming, catering to the varied tastes and needs of the American-occupied areas.
Closer to the French occupation zone, the situation was distinct. The French zone had a common programme throughout, excluding Saarland, which was separately administered and had the first commercial TV station in Europe in 1952. This early foray into commercial broadcasting reflects the French approach to media, highlighting a more market-driven philosophy.
Baden-Württemberg, a state that was formed from parts of both the American and French zones, wound up with two different radio and TV stations. This unique circumstance underscores the complex interplay between the occupying forces and the regions they controlled.
Cultural Interactions and Urban Development
Cultural and social interactions with the local population also varied significantly among the different zones. In cities like Frankfurt, the American zone's influence was particularly pronounced, with the introduction of skyscrapers and a greater acceptance of Western architecture and planning. In fact, out of the 15 tallest buildings in Germany, 14 are located in Frankfurt, a city heavily shaped by American urban design principles.Frankfurt stands out as an exception rather than the rule, as similar profound changes by the occupying powers were relatively rare in other cities. According to Noel Ellis, a significant aspect of the occupation was the influence of the militaries on urban and social planning.
Interactions with the General Population
The interactions between the occupying forces and the local population varied significantly based on nationality. According to the accounts of several people, the experiences were quite distinct:While the French were described as chilly and hostile, the British were generally more friendly but also kept a distance. The Americans, however, had a notable influence on daily life. Despite strict rules against fraternization, many American soldiers formed friendships and even mixed marriages with locals, particularly in the 1960s when the positive memory of the Berlin Airlift was still fresh. Kennedy’s famous statement, "Ich bin ein Berliner," further contributed to this positive perception.
However, the Vietnam War and subsequent events such as the US plans to station Pershing II nuclear missiles in West Germany in the early 1980s, combined with a series of terrorist attacks on American soldiers in the 1970s and 1980s, all contributed to a souring of the relationship. By the 1980s, high levels of security measures around the American consulate in Berlin, such as razor wire, steel fences, and checkpoints, were emblematic of this shift in relations.
Despite these changes, the legacy of American influence is evident in various developments, such as the numerous baseball clubs and American football teams found in former American sectors of West Germany. This indicates a lasting positive impact, as seen in the presence of amateur baseball teams and even schools like the John F. Kennedy School in Berlin.