Political Parties

Karl Loewenstein investigated one example of a dubious new political party. The “Bavarian Party for King and Country” wanted to reconstitute the Christian Bavarian Monarchy, and demanded a plebiscite to determine whether the monarchy would be restored. The party had followed all guidelines set out by the occupation government for establishment of new political parties….Continue Reading Political Parties

Elections

Although West Germany’s first federal elections did not occur until 1949, the states in the U.S. zone held elections in 1946. OMGUS was concerned about how the Germans would handle their first democratic election since 1933. The Military Government wanted to show the virtues of democratic elections, but was wary of political parties comprised of…Continue Reading Elections