The Berlin Declaration marked the official end of the German Reich on the 5th of June 1945. This event began a period of Allied occupation where four military powers divided Germany into distinct zones controlled by France, the United Kingdom, the United States, and the Soviet Union.
Approximately 12 to 14 million German-speaking refugees entered West and central Germany between 1944 and 1950. An estimated two million died during their journey due to starvation, disease, or violence while traveling on slow ill-equipped trains.
The Federal Republic of Germany emerged on the 23rd of May 1949 with Bonn designated as its provisional capital. The Grundgesetz constitution was promulgated that same day before Konrad Adenauer formed the first federal government on the 20th of September 1949.
Willy Brandt became Chancellor in 1969 following SPD election victories and initiated Ostpolitik as a policy of rapprochement with Eastern Bloc nations. He signed agreements including the Moscow Agreement of August 1970 and the Warsaw Agreement of December 1970 to normalize relations.
Benno Ohnesorg died after being shot by plain-clothed policeman Karl-Heinz Kurras during protests against the Shah of Iran's visit on the 2nd of June 1967. This event occurred amidst public outcry over Springer newspapers attacking student protesters violently.