This book covers the years, 1945-63 which witnessed th total defeat of the Third Reich, the occupation a nd evolution of the German Federal Republic and German Democratic Republic. The impact of the occupation is analysed, as are the events leading to the division of Germany. Politics, economic history and social and cultural change in both Germanys are fully explored. Thus in the FRG the nature of Adenauer's success in creating a parliamentary democracy is analysed, as is the West German 'economic miracle'.There is also a chapter specifically on social and cultural developments i nthe FRG. The GDR is treated equally comprehensively with particular attention being paid to the Socialist Unity Party and how it was able to dominate the GDR and survive the riots of 17-18 June 1953. The events leading up to the construction of the Berlin Wall are also carefully covered. In the Conclusion a comparative summary of the two German states is made in the light of key themes.