1949 - One year, two Germanies | DW Documentary

The video script opens with a portrayal of Germany in the aftermath of World War II, focusing on the small town of Lohfelden as a microcosm of the country's broader situation. Four years since the war's end, Germany is depicted as a nation torn between the devastation of the past and the hope of new beginnings. The narrative touches on the everyday struggles of the German people, their efforts to rebuild their lives, and the political changes sweeping the nation. There's a particular emphasis on the role of youth, with individuals like Hans Mauch, who had been part of the Hitler Youth, now seeking to contribute positively to society. The story also highlights the return of a former Hitler Youth member from a Soviet POW camp, whose experiences have shaped a new worldview and a determination to help build a better Germany. The setting shifts to Munich, where Jewish lawyer Fritz Nind and his daughter Charlotta, Holocaust survivors, have returned to their old home, symbolizing resilience and the desire to reclaim normalcy amidst the ongoing reconstruction efforts.

This paragraph delves into the state of Heidelberg University post-war, where the student body, including Gunther Dorman, a war veteran, is grappling with the harsh realities of life without luxuries, such as heating in winter. Dorman's involvement in the student council brings to light the struggles faced by the university, which is on the brink of closure due to financial constraints faced by the students. The narrative describes a student strike against the university's closure and the establishment of a student-to-student initiative, demonstrating solidarity and community support. The political climate of a divided Germany is also explored, with East and West Germany emerging as separate entities, each with its own approach to rebuilding and governance. The tension between the two is palpable, especially in the Elbe region, where brief reunions are allowed on Sundays, highlighting the human impact of the division.

The script moves to the industrial setting of Henningsdorf, where Hans Mauch, a trained mechanic, is sent to a locomotive factory to recruit for the new system. The factory, still bearing the scars of war, employs West Berliners and is a place of tension, with Mauch being labeled 'the Russian' due to his arguments. Despite the difficulties, the factory's first new post-war locomotives symbolize a promising start to the year. The focus then shifts to the political efforts to rebuild the nation, with young people encouraged to participate in political life, despite the negative connotations associated with parties following the Nazi era. The narrative describes the drafting of a democratic constitution in Bonn, with an emphasis on including young people's opinions, as exemplified by Gunther Dorman's involvement in the parliamentary council.

This section highlights the pervasive fear of communism and the ideological divide between East and West Germany. It discusses the experiences of those who fled communism in the East, including Holocaust survivors and Jewish organizations in Munich. The narrative also touches on the black market and the American occupiers' leniency towards it. The story then shifts to the Western zones, where life is tough but there is a desire to enjoy it again, as exemplified by the return of popular actor Heinz Rühmann and the first German six-day race after a 15-year hiatus. In contrast, Eastern Germany is depicted as a place where society is being politicized, with the SED party and Stalin's influence controlling public life and the economy.

The script details the creation of the West German Constitution, known as the Basic Law, which was adopted on May 8, 1949. It describes the process of negotiation and compromise that led to the agreement on the Basic Law, with the Western Allies advocating for a federal state to prevent centralized power. The adoption of the Basic Law is marked as a significant event, prompting the Soviets to lift the blockade on Berlin and signaling the inevitable division of Germany. The Basic Law is described as a provisional document, with fundamental rights at its core, intended to prevent the mistakes of the past and to establish a functioning democracy.

This section discusses the formal establishment of two separate German states. The Federal Republic of Germany is formed with the Basic Law coming into force, and the German Democratic Republic is declared in East Berlin. The narrative highlights the propaganda efforts on both sides, with the East promoting unity and the West focusing on democracy and freedom. The East German state is shown to be heavily influenced by the Soviet Union, with Valtor Ulbricht as a key figure. The Western Allies' recognition of the new West German state and the East's response to it are also covered, illustrating the deepening division and the beginning of the Cold War era.

The script describes the lead-up to the first Bundestag election in West Germany, with the CDU winning and Konrad Adenauer becoming the first Chancellor. It also mentions the cultural significance of the Goethe Prize awarded to Thomas Mann, who returned to Germany after 16 years in America. The East-West separation is underscored by the fact that there were two Goethe Prizes in 1949, with Mann receiving both. The narrative touches on the challenges faced by the new government, including the struggle against reactionary nationalism and the lingering presence of National Socialist beliefs.

This section focuses on the transformation of Bonn into the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany, with the pedagogical Academy becoming the seat of the new parliament. The election of the first Parliament and the ceremony marking the Basic Law's entry into force are described, highlighting the presence of the allied military governors. The narrative also discusses the limitations on West Germany's sovereignty, as it was still under the supervision of the Western powers, and the symbolic act of subordination that the new Chancellor had to perform.

The final paragraph details the establishment of the German Democratic Republic, with the People's Council declaring itself a provisional parliament and enacting the constitution for the new state. Otto Grotewohl becomes the first East German Prime Minister, but the real power is acknowledged to lie with the Soviet Union's representative, Walter Ulbricht. The narrative describes the celebrations and propaganda surrounding the creation of the GDR, including a massive youth rally and the message from Stalin recognizing the new state. The paragraph concludes with a reflection on the personal impact of the division on families and the hope for the future, as well as a call to cherish and defend democracy.