1945 and 1990 mark significant turning points in German history, but they do not represent a "zero hour." The respective economic, social, mental, and cultural continuities are unmistakable. For unified Germany, the process of unification has proven to be far more problematic than most anticipated at the fall of the Berlin Wall. To this day, the different developments that East and West have taken since the end of World War II shape the integration process. Reflecting the differences, as well as the commonalities and points of contact between the two German experiences in contemporary documents, is the task of this collection of sources with a reader-friendly character. Germany between 1945 and 1990 is classic material for history lessons. This volume includes fundamental sources from politics, economics, culture, environment, and everyday life.