How did the British imperial practice of indirect rule inform both the occupation policy in the British zone of Germany, and the future of Germany in 1945-1949

Abstract

This thesis analyses the influence of the imperial practice of indirect rule in the British zone of Germany during the occupation. the motives behind the imposition of indirect rule are explored as well as the policies that were carried out and the impact they had. The thesis covers the use of indirect rule at three levels: locally up to the regierung, at the future federal state level and at the zonal level of central administration. This work expands on previous research by Camilo erlichman, and offers new insight into the often overlooked role of the British in Germany, building upon the existing historiography concerning occupation and also imperial studies. This analysis is archived through the use of primarily archival research, focusing on the records of the Control Commission for Germany British Element.