From 1949 to 1990, West Germany was a republic composed of the western two-thirds of Germany’s. Following World War II, Germany was divided into four occupation zones, each controlled by the British, French, Americans, and Soviets. The city of Berlin was split in the same way. The split between the communist and non-communist-dominated parts of Germany and Berlin was meant to be temporary. Still, as Cold War animosities grew more substantial, it became clear that the division would become permanent.
When West and East Germany were reunited in 1990, the former East German state adopted West Germany’s constitution and official name (Federal Republic of Germany).
Below are some fascinating vintage photos that capture West Germany in 1954.
