Why did the allies divide Germany?

Answer 1

At the conclusion of World War II, the Allies divided Berlin into occupation zones for several reasons. One reason was to include the major powers of the European Theater in the occupational duties as a kind of honor or point of prestige; another was to distribute administrative responsibilities and burdens among the major powers.

Answer 2

The Big 3 plus France had made the decision to divide up Germany during the Yalta conference because of political reasons, cultural reasons and practical reasons. The basic purpose of the zones would be to accomplish denazification and demilitarization.

On the practical side The French were to control the area where many Germans and other people spoke in French or knew some French. The Russians would control the Eastern part of Germany which they conquered and had more of the Slavic type of people. The Brits and Americans took the rest. It was decided the punishment of the Nazis would be conducted in Nuremberg where there was a large building still intact and capable of imprisoning the accused.

Another political/practical/cultural reason was that it was not possible for one nation to do the controlling and war reparations in the entire country. It was easier when 4 nations did the job of quelling the Nazis who still caused troubles for two years. The fighting did not stop the day the surrender documents were signed. During those two years they either had to kill or arrest those who persisted in carrying on attacks within Germany.

War reparations included feeding the population, getting the rubble cleaned up, establishing a democratic form of government (West Germany) and helping people to get homes, jobs medical care and clothing. In Berlin the US had to fly in food and supplies for the East and West Berliners until Josef Stalin finally allowed the US to enter East Berlin. As you can see the political conflicts did not end at the end of the war. It opened the way to another war that lasted 50 years: The Cold War.

Answer 3

After Soviet Union defeated Germany it divided it into East, and West parts

Answer 4

After Germany was defeated in May 1945. The Allied Powers also divided Austria into Occupation Zones.