The impact of Ostpolitik on the GDR economy and standard of living - Advantages and disadvantages table in A Level and IB History

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Created by: Ellief_2000
Created on: 09-04-18 18:40

The impact of Ostpolitik on the GDR economy and standard of living

Advantages

Honecker was able to increase spending on welfare due to cheap loans available form the FRG
During = the 1970s and 1980s, living standards in the FRG improved and consumer goods e.g. cars and household goods became more widely available
The GDR overcame the shortage of certain goods as a result of trade agreements with the FRG

Disadvantages

The GDR borrowed recklessly from the FRG
8% of East German foreign trade came from visitors from the West exchanging currency
Pulled the GDR towards the West, this caused political problems
Some loans from the FRG were tied to specific arrangements

Evaluation

The GDR was too dependent on the FRG and this made the USSR concerned.

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