Two radically different policies were implemented. As a result, West Germany became a member of NATO, a leader in the European Union, and an excellent trade partner. The Russian method was to grasp East Germany and hold it so tight that it would never have a chance to lift its head again. Both policies worked. There hasn't been a World War III yet and, though we did get pretty close a few times, Germany was not one of the parties envolved.
Military victory is useless unless it really brings a degree of closure to the conflict.
The victor can end the conflict by befriending the vanquished, or by destroying him as a military force. Anything inbetween is an invitation to yet another conflict.