Insights into the Archive's Work

Historical overviews

This page provides introductions to specific topics relating to German foreign policy, including key documents available online as well as information on further links and any Political Archive holdings that may be of relevance.

Resistance in the Foreign Office during the Third Reich

Ulrich von Hassell – diplomat and member of the resistance
© AA

Ulrich von Hassell – diplomat and member of the resistance

During the National Socialist era the Foreign Office was by no means a centre of resistance. Even if possibly the vilest masterminds of the mass murders were not based in the Wilhelmstrasse, the Foreign Office certainly reflected the whole spectrum of opinion on the regime ranging from approval to opportunistic support and outright opposition.

Resistance in the Foreign Office during the Third Reich

The Ostpolitik of the Federal Republic of Germany

Signing of the Moscow Treaty
© Bundesbildstelle

Signing of the Moscow Treaty

The treaties signed by Federal Chancellor Willy Brandt and Foreign Minister Walter Scheel in Moscow on 12 August 1970 and in Warsaw on 7 December 1970 were the subject of fierce controversy at home. Internationally, however, they were seen as a great achievement for German foreign policy and in 1971 Brandt was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for services to détente.

external link, opens in new windowThe Ostpolitik of the Federal Republic of Germany

The Two plus Four Treaty and German reunification

Signing of the Two plus Four Treaty
© Bundesbildstelle

Signing of the Two plus Four Treaty

After the fall of the Berlin Wall on 9 November 1989 German unity was finally within grasp, but at international level it could become reality only with the consent of the victorious allies of World War II. The domestic aspects of German unity were a matter for negotiation between the Government of the Federal Republic of Germany and the first democratically elected Government of the German Democratic Republic. The Treaty on the Establishment of German Unity was signed on 31 August 1990.

external link, opens in new windowThe Two plus Four Treaty