Berghahn Books France and the German Question, 1945–1990

In the immediate aftermath of World War Two, the victors were unable to agree on Germany's fate, and the separation of the country--the result of the nascent Cold War--emerged as a de facto, if provisional, settlement. Yet East and West Germany would exist apart for half a century, making the "German question" a central foreign policy issue--and given the war-torn history between the two countries, this was felt no more keenly than in France. Drawing on the most recent historiography and previously untapped archival sources, this volume shows how France's approach to the German question was, for the duration of the Cold War, both more constructive and consequential than has been previously acknowledged. Review "These impressively researched chapters persuasively demonstrate that France was a leader in addressing postwar concerns with West Germany. Furthermore, the authors argue that France sought a constructive relationship with West Germany as early as 1945. From the economic rebuilding of the 1950s through de Gaulle's desire to transform the continent and negotiations with the Eastern bloc following Ostpolitik to Mitterand's support for German reunification within a European framework, this collection makes clear that the fates of the two countries were often inextricably linked. Highly Recommended." - Choice "This volume is written by accomplished scholars and intended for university audiences. It offers new interpretations of French policy vis-a-vis Germany based on the latest available archival evidence. As such, it is essential reading for professional academics and students interested in European politics and the dynamics of European integration during the Cold War." - History: Reviews of New Books "France and the German Question is an outstanding, superbly edited volume with contributions by leading scholars in the field. For anyone interested in an up-to-date history of the Franco-German relationship, this is now the go-to volume." - Christian Ostermann, Woodrow Wilson Center About the Author Frederic Bozo is Professor of Contemporary History at the Sorbonne Nouvelle, University of Paris III, Institute of European Studies. He is the author of numerous books, including Mitterrand, the End of the Cold War, and German Unification (2009) and French Foreign Policy since 1945 (2016), and the editor of such collections as Europe and the End of the Cold War: A Reappraisal (2008). Christian Wenkel is Associate Professor of Contemporary History at Artois University. His research interests cover the Franco-German relationship, French foreign policy, the Cold War and European integration. His publications include Auf der Suche nach einem anderen Deutschland. Das Verhaltnis Frankreichs zur DDR im Spannungsfeld von Perzeption und Diplomatie (2014) and La diplomatie francaise face a l'unification allemande. Archives inedites reunies (with Maurice Vaisse, 2011).