“Eastern Treaties” names agreements; “Ostpolitik” is the wider policy.
The term Eastern Treaties groups together several agreements. Those with the Soviet Union and Poland are central examples. For this test question, connect them with Brandt’s chancellorship from 1969 to 1974.
Negotiations sought workable relations despite different political systems. Making an agreement with another state does not mean adopting its political system. Seeking accommodation is therefore different from joining that state’s military alliance.
The other three answers
The other names do not match the political phase sought.
Helmut Kohl
Helmut Kohl was chancellor from 1982 to 1998 and is associated with unity in 1990. The Eastern Treaties were concluded earlier under Brandt.
Mikhail Gorbachev
Mikhail Gorbachev was a Soviet politician and later played an important role in ending division. Here, however, the question seeks the German chancellor associated with the Eastern Treaties.
Ludwig Erhard
Ludwig Erhard’s chancellorship lasted from 1963 to 1966. It preceded Brandt’s government and the Moscow and Warsaw treaties of 1970.
A well-known name does not replace the collective diplomatic work.
Associating the treaties with Brandt does not mean he negotiated or decided alone. Foreign Minister Walter Scheel, other participants and parliament were involved. The treaties were politically contested in the Bundestag.
Signing and entry into force are different steps. The Moscow and Warsaw treaties were signed in 1970 and took effect on 3 June 1972. Neither year is the year of reunification.
Eastern Treaties 1970/1972 · German Bundestag ↗Brandt: Eastern Treaties. Kohl: unity.
Add the early 1970s to Brandt and 1990 to Kohl. These cues help identification; they are not complete biographies.
Three words for this question
- die Annäherungrapprochement
- Improving relations despite continuing differences.
- der Gewaltverzichtrenunciation of force
- A commitment not to settle conflicts through force.
- in Kraft tretento enter into force
- To become legally effective, which is not always the signing date.