Opting for Oil

This Book Investigates The Causes Course And Consequences Of The Shift In West German Chemical Technology From A Coal To A Petroleum Basis Between 1945 And 1961. It Examines The Historical Underpinnings Of Technological Culture Of The German Chemical Industry; Changing Political And Economic Constraints On Technological Decision-Making In The Postwar Period; And The Actual Decision-Making Process Within Five Individual Firms. The Study''S Main Importance Lies In Its Detailed Portrayal Of Decision-Making Within Individual Chemical Firms. By Addressing A Wide Variety Of Broader Issues As Well--Including The Origins And Impact Of The Division Of Germany; The Effects Of The Wirtschaftswunder Or Economic Miracle; European Integration; And The Changing Role Of The West German Federal Republic In The International Political Order--This Book Explains How West German Industry Regained And Then Retained A Competitive Position In World Markets.