Bands like Kraftwerk and Rammstein have this distinct minimalistic electronic vibe that is unlike other genres. There are other examples, but those are two very popular groups.
What factors influenced this music? Instrument availability, popular music at the time, political factors, etc. I'm more interested in the early electronic bands like kraftwerk (I love kraftwerk!)
I don't know if that's what you're implying, but Kraftwerk was founded in 1970 in Düsseldorf - West Germany.
And Rammstein was founded in 1994, but granted, by musicians who grew up in the GDR.
Unfortunately I'm not knowledgeable enough to give an academical answer on the question as a whole, but I wanted to at least clear this up.