Liberated national zones (Germany)

When Germany was divided after World War II, some parts of the country were controlled by other countries like the United States, France, and Great Britain. These areas were called "Liberated National Zones" because they were free from the control of the previous German government that had caused the war. In these zones, the occupying countries worked together to rebuild the country and create a new, democratic government. Think of it like your parents taking away your toys when you're not playing nicely, and then giving them back one by one as you learn how to share and play nicely with others. The liberated national zones were like Germany being put in a time-out until it learned how to behave better.