How did Germany survive World War Two? Focusing on the dramatic events leading to the division of Germany and the impact of the Allied occupation on the country, D.G. Williamson traces the domestic history of the two Germanies and their position in the rival Cold War blocs.

Part 1 The Background; Chapter 1 Plans and Reality: The Allies and Germany, 1943-45; Part 2 The Occupation, 1945-49; Chapter 2 Allied Occupation Policy, August 1945-December 1947; Chapter 3 The Division of Germany; Part 3 The Cold War and the Two Germanies, 1949-63; Chapter 4 Two Rival States; Part 4 Reconstruction and Consolidation: The FRG, 1949-63; Chapter 5 Politics: Developing a Democracy; Chapter 6 The West German 'Economic Miracle', 1948-63; Chapter 7 Social and Cultural Developments, 1949-63; Part 5 The GDR from Its Foundation to the Berlin Wall, 1949-61; Chapter 8 Political Developments in the GDR, 1949-61; Chapter 9 The Economy in the GDR, 1948-61; Chapter 10 Socialism and the East German People; Part 6 Assessment; Chapter 11 Germany from Defeat to Part Ition: A Retrospective ViewPart 7 Documents;