The "Two Plus Four Agreement," also known as the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, is a key document in contemporary German history. This treaty, which was signed in September 1990, officially put an end to World War II and the Cold War in Germany and brought about the reunification of the nation. We will examine the significance of the Treaty on the Final Settlement and how it influenced Germany's post-Cold War history in this blog.

The Aftereffects of Division and World War II

Following the conclusion of World War II, the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union oversaw the four occupation zones that separated Germany. In 1949, the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany) were established as two distinct states as a result of the division of Germany.

When it was built in 1961, the Berlin Wall represented the separation of the East and West and was a tangible representation of the Cold War conflict. For many years, the reunification of Germany appeared improbable.

The Berlin Wall's fall

The Cold War era came to an end in 1989 with the fall of the Berlin Wall, a symbol of the division of the country. This historic event was greatly influenced by the wave of protests and the nonviolent revolution in East Germany.

The Four + Two Agreement

A crucial diplomatic process took place as East and West Germany approached reunification. Negotiations for the "Two Plus Four Agreement" took place between the United States, the United Kingdom, France, and the Soviet Union as the "Four" Allied powers that had occupied Germany following World War II and the two German states (the "Two").

Importance of the Agreement

Formal Reunification: East and West Germany were formally brought back together under the terms of the Treaty on the Final Settlement with Respect to Germany, restoring their status as one independent nation. Germany was no longer divided as a result of this.

Borders and Sovereignty: The treaty established Germany's complete sovereignty and reaffirmed the recognition of its existing borders, including its eastern border with Poland.

Withdrawal of Allied Troops: The agreement reduced the military presence in the area by establishing a timeline for the Soviet and Allied forces to leave the former East German territory.

Peaceful Resolution: Unlike earlier wartime resolutions and power politics, the reunification of Germany was accomplished through diplomatic channels and peaceful negotiations.

European Integration: A key component of the treaty was the reunified Germany's commitment to European integration and cooperation, which strengthened the country's resolve to cooperate with its neighbors in Europe.

Positive Reaction from the International Community: The reunification and treaty were hailed as a positive step towards a more stable and peaceful Europe by the international community, which included Germany's neighbors and the Western Allies.

The Effect on Germany Today

The Treaty on the Final Settlement holds immense significance for modern Germany. It laid the foundation for the nation's peaceful reunification, transforming it into a key player on the international stage. Germany's post-Cold War era has been marked by a commitment to democracy, peace, and European integration, and the treaty remains a symbol of this historic transformation. The lessons learned from the division and the reunification continue to shape Germany's commitment to diplomacy, cooperation, and a prosperous, united nation in the heart of Europe.