Germany's Radical Changes

The impact that the First World War had on Germany is very substantial to the way German society developed during the war years. World War I effected Germany socially, economically and politically. German society was vastly impacted by the war. A few examples of these changes include women and their importance in the workforce.

During the war women in the workforce were much needed, displaying the role they play in the German economy. Once the war ended, many German soldiers insisted to believe that they had not lost the war, but that the army had been cheated. Germans looked to lay the blame in the hands of emperor, and most blamed the new Government steaming from the unification. They fought for peace and accepted a truce, leading the Germans to believe that they were to blame. The soldiers also believed that they were cheated as a result of Communists of Jews. Post war lead to a lot of suspicion in Germany. The first President of the Weimar republic, Friedrich Ebert, worked to win back the supp

Friedrich Ebert

ort of armed forces. He was looking to have their supports to capitalize on the stability of the new republic. The worked for the army’s support because there need his support to survive as a significant political power in the years after the peace settlement.

The economic consequences of the war were dreadful for Germany. The cost of the war was close to forty billion. The industrial output of the German economy fell tremendously and machinery was outdated by the end of the war and run by minimally trained people because most of the working many had been killed in the war. Although the working men were not physically fit enough to work as hard as required, due to food shortages. Most were scrounging for food, eating dogs, cows, zoo animals and rodents. Front-line troops were even reduced to meager portions of horse-meat. “Until 1944 no serious food shortages existed, for the occupied countries were ruthlessly stripped of their own resources. But the war intensified the tendencies of the totalitarian state, bringing with it a militarization of public life, increasing organization of the formerly private sphere, and social leveling. When rationing was introduced, the government understood how to exploit envy and class differences for its own purposes” (Schulze 270).  The economy also had shortages of raw materials. From 1915 until the end of the war, Germans were forbidden to drive a car. Even after the truce after the war, the Germans couldn’t purchase fuel in bulk and found it hard to obtain raw materials of any sort because the international community shunned them as a consequence of the war.

Flag of Weimar Republic

Above all, the war impacted Germany politically. The war lead to the emperor being forced to resign. This power spot was filled by the Weimar Republic. The food shortages across Germany led to an extreme expressions of people’s views. Communism became widely supported in industrial cities. Germany was extremely isolated at the end of the war. Trade was hard to obtain because most of Germany’s previous trading partners now sunned Germany, preferring to do business with the victorious allies. There was a massive loss of life, suffering the death of 1.7 million young men, with another 4.3 million men being wounded, totaling over 7 million, including men who were prisoners or listed as missing. Germany has such a dense history that this period, although very important, is only part of Germany’s historical events that have impacted the society Germany has today.

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Founding of a German State

Germany has a long history. Central Europe used to be divided into hundreds of small states including territories, free cities, and ecclesiastical states, inhabited by German-speaking people. The Peace of Westphalia left the German-speaking Europe divided into about 40 many small states. Prussia and Austria competed for dominance, being the two largest of these states. There were many rulers over territories which lead to wars. The Protestant Reformation caused separation of religions. The population of what is now known as Germany became divided into Roman Catholic, Lutheran, and Calvinist. These separations only escalated during the Thirty Years War.

King Friedrich Wilhelm IV
of Prussia

Scholars, bureaucrats, students, journalists and businessmen, all had a large impact on the unification of Germany. The pressures for a united Germany came with these individuals wanting uniform laws and a single currency that would remove the dictatorship of insignificant German states and bring democracy. When offered the crown of a united Germany, King Friedrich Wilhelm IV of Prussia, rejected it. He, like the other rulers of German kingdoms, didn’t agree with German unity because he viewed it as a threat to his power.  “The crown offered to him by the delegation from the assembly was ‘filthy,’ he wrote to the Grand Duke of Hesse, ‘a diadem of foul dirt’ with the ‘stench of revolution’ clinging to it. In addition he rightly feared that accepting it would arouse protest from the other European powers and lead Austria to intervene.” (Schulze 129). The king had no interest in starting another Seven Years’ War by accepting this crown.

Otto Von Bismarck

In 1871, following the Franco-Prussian War, Germany was unified and transformed into an empire under Emperor Wilhelm I, King of Prussia. A Prussian aristocrat, known as Otto von Bismarck, influenced the unification and conquered most of German-speaking Europe  He achieved a united Germany without Austria by bringing together Prussia and the remaining German states, becoming part of a Germany ruled by a Prussian emperor. Germany had a parliament, known as the Reichstag. The parliament could contest the governments decisions but in the end the emperor could choose to govern as he saw fit, leaving the new unified Germany in Prussian domination.  

The Reichstag

In World War I, Germany’s military strategy failed. This meant the end of the German empire because of the Treaty of Versailles. This was the peace settlement negotiated by the victors; Britain, France, and the United States, that imposed consequences on Germany that consisted of the loss of territory, financial reparations and a diminished military. These conditions lead to World War II.

Hitler as Chancellor

After World War II, Germany attempted to become a democratic republic, but the Weimar Republic proved to be only a short-lived prelude to the rise of Hitler and the dictatorial “Third Reich” of the Nazis.

After World War II, Germany came to consist of two states; East Germany and West Germany. East Germany continued to fall farther behind economically and had to use force to prevent its population from fleeing to the West. While East Germany struggled, West Germany was undeniably successful. West Germany quickly became one of the world’s richest nations.

The German identity today is still so diverse. Germany is known for its very long history, and its ability to overcome such dissimilar ideas and become unified. Today the cultures of all areas that were once separated, have a better understanding for the others differences. It has grown and developed into the European Union’s most populous nation. 

Word Count: 576

Berlin Wall

Berlin Map 1961: Berlin Wall

German history has many interesting aspects. One that I specifically find intriguing is during the 20^th century in 1961 when the Berlin Wall went up blocking off all traffic to and from West Berlin by the Soviet Union. This wall changed the lives and freedoms of many of the people living in Berlin, both positively and negatively.

East Berlin community began to improve under the communist system. Health care facilities improved and they were provided with free public transport throughout East Berlin. Jobs increased allowing the people to receive pay, better food, and rent. All of the people were treated equal regardless of their education and financial stability in this communist side of Berlin. Production companies and factory output also increased. This was critical for emergency situations and the demand for products. East Berlin was proud of their fairness to the people and their many achievements, unlike what they saw from the capitalist West Berlin. They felt their communist ideas prevented crime and violence because everyone was equal and there was no competition. There was no feeling of greed, jealousy, or ambition, leaving no reason to fight.

Citizens of East Berlin displaying the loss of their freedom
due to the construction of the Berlin Wall by the Soviet Union

East Berlin did absence many important freedoms such as the ability to vote and the freedom of speech. The citizens were not allowed to leave East Berlin and travel to the West. Although life styles improved, they did not enjoy the feeling of being trapped. There was also surveillance everywhere so they had very little privacy in the spaces they were allowed to be. The working people, which included everyone, also had no drive to work hard because everyone was paid the same. Also with such a large population and lower income, it lead to a very poor country. The government, controlled by a dictator, ran all business and owned all land. Citizens living in East Berlin had everything, just were limited amounts.

Brandenburg Gate: Built in the late
18th century, the gate symbolizes the
 tumultuous history of Europe and
Germany. 

West Berlin had different kinds of freedom than East Berlin. West Berlin were allowed movement between West Berlin and West Germany, but there were not allowed to vote in federal elections. They could stand for election though.

The fall of the Berlin Wall, reuniting all of Berlin, East
and West accepting on another with open arms

The Berlin Wall finally came down November 9, 1989 because thousands of East Germans barged the gates, demanding them to be opened. The East were met on the other side by the West carrying flowers and champagne to begin a celebration of reuniting that lasted for days. They celebrate this particular day today. This unification allowed West Berlin and East Berlin to unite as the city of Berlin, joining the Federal Republic as a state along with the rest of East Germany, erasing West Berlin and East Berlin completely. 

Word Count: 501

Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary

Luther believed that people can't earn their
way into heaven by giving money to the
Church, but by accepting Gods grace.

Germany’s cultural norms have been challenged by many great thinkers. One very influential person goes by the name of Martin Luther. By writing his ninety-five theses he had a great impact on the German-speaking world. Although he never intended to cause the revolution with the release of his beliefs, he forever changed the course of German history by taking a risk.

Martin Luther nailed his ninety-five these to the door of the Wittenberg church, publicly stating his arguments against the catholic church and firm beliefs that he believes they are unethical. He also used tools such as the printing press to spread his ideas to everyone, which according to the video Martin Luther: Reluctant Revolutionary, was very similar to post something on the internet today, is was the fastest way to spread the word.

Martin Luther nailed his 95 these to the Wittenberg church door.
It listed 95 arguments up for debate about Church practices,
most importantly the sale of indulgence.
 

Luther didn’t expect the reaction that he received from his actions because he felt that he was just taking a stand for those that believed that same things he did, but wouldn’t stand up and say it alone. Most were angry with him for posting his ninety-five theses, but he did also receive support from some, shouting “Long live Luther.” A major supporter of his beliefs was Fredrick the Wise. He believed that Luther didn’t try to cause an uproar, he was only trying to share his beliefs to the people. By doing this Luther made people feel more comfortable with discussing their own beliefs on the corrupt Catholic religion.

Fredrick the Wise, Luther's
biggest supporter 

I find the Reformation to be a very interesting time in German history because I am Catholic but my mom is Lutheran. Attending CCD as a child I used to learn about it during class on Saturday’s. Luther changed the idea that Christians were only allowed to be Catholic. He didn’t want ones relationship to be something that you had to pay for and were forced to believe in. Luther believed that one’s relationship with God should be on a more personal and intimate level, not full of paying taxes for expenses such as parades and fancy amenities for the pope.

Luther eventually established his own Lutheran church with the support of the German princes. He gained their respect and support by translating the New Testament into German, making the scripture easily accessible to all. Without the work of Luther, our religious views would still be so narrowly focused and we would not have the religion diversity and acceptance for it as we do today. 

word count: 463

Chapter 2

Due to many problems including power struggles and separations of religious beliefs during the Reformation, The Roman Empire decayed during the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries. This prevented the development of a truly unified German state in Europe.

Emperor Charles V ruled over an empire composed of
numerous territories with very diverse historical
antecedents and legal structures.

The emperor of the Holy Roman Empire and the King of Spain was Charles V. Many of the Germanic nobles were against him and his belief that the Empire should be controlled by the Vatican all the way in Rome. This seemed as a poor reason to me because our country is controlled by one president who lives many miles away from where we may be located. Politically the situations are the same, but the Roman Empire had religious conflicts as well. Martin Luther set off the Protestant reformation which set the Catholics apart. This reformation only fueled the fire leading to the wars of religion, the Thirty Years War, this only destroyed and divided the German unity further. This war also caused a large decline in the population of Germany. The country was devastated and it took decade to recover from the destruction. This war did more harm than good.

Some states accepted Martin Luther’s teachings of his theses from the reformation and others rejected them, this lead to Germany becoming divided and the beginning of the Thirst Years War. The Thirty Years War weakened the power of the emperor and increased the power of the princes and Kings. In 1555 the peace of Augsburg declared that the princes could decide the religion of their state and anyone who disagreed with the prince’s choice was allowed to emigrate. I believe this allowed freedom to the citizens of each state, in a way that we are given ours today. We are allowed to believe what we want and find others who believe in the same thing as us.

Dutch peasants under attack from a band of pillaging soldiers. 

I have always thought of Germany as one of the more powerful countries. After reading about their constant struggles with power and changes throughout the empire it came to my knowledge that the culture developed and is now strong because of these historic events. Many of their changes throughout their history have been based off of the influence of Italy. Germans had ideas, but many of them did not take flight until Italians did it first. This is very similar to the way things work today. We all have our own beliefs and ideas but also learn from each other’s mistakes. I believe Germany built its strength by dividing and allowing the freedom to live by an individual’s own beliefs. 

word count: 454

Why Germany?

Last year, around this time I had overheard someone talking about signing up for a D-term trip to Italy. Traveling has always been a dream of mine which has never changed. I looked further into this opportunity to travel through the school and came across a trip that went to Greece and Italy. Two countries, school credit, and a program allowing me to gain full benefit while abroad, what could get any better than that? I could never find the time or someone to travel with and this kind of trip was the perfect fit. When i heard that there was only a few spots left, I put my payment down almost immediately. I eagerly waited the whole summer, until December finally came around. Europe is similar, but so very different compared to the way we live as Americans. That's when the travel bug bit me. I found myself making lists of all the places I wanted to discover, and trying to plan when I would go and who I could get to go with me. We are all stuck in our little bubble in Naperville, and I am anxious to explore what the rest of this world has to offer.

I chose to travel to Germany this year because we all learn about WWII in high school and discuss the misery of concentration camps during the Holocaust but I want to develop a better understanding of German history through experience. Family friends of mine have visited Germany during Oktoberfest and I visit the Christkindlmarket every year. I would like to taste authentic German beer and sausage at the Christmas Markets in Germany. These types of festivals are also a great way to observe the social norms of Germans compared to Americans.

Christmas Market in Berlin

As horrifying as it was, the Holocaust is one of the most interesting topics in history. Understanding the way the individuals were treated and learning everything that they had to suffer through is so hard to wrap my mind around. Some survived and from a science perspective, it is incredible to see that the human body has a subconscious drive to fight for survival. I am looking forward to explore the Sachsenhausen concentration camp and learn from Germans and their interpretation of their history in regards to the Holocaust and other tragic events.

Living Conditions during the Holocaust at a concentration camp.
Also an example of how frail the individuals bodies were.

People complain today about minuscule things such as their IPhone being dead or their WiFi not working, as if they don't appreciate the fortunate life they have, with the materials and advanced technology we have today. The use of technology is another thing that I like to observe while abroad. America has become so "plugged in." From social media cites, to texting, to children learning on tablets, paper is quickly becoming non-existent. It is a relief to observe that not everyone in this world has disregarded the idea of face-to-face interaction with another human being. I look forward to interacting with all of my group mates, along with the locals there, learning new things and understanding the perspectives everyone has on each topic we cover. I am very eager and looking forward to traveling and gaining new experiences and memories with this group.


Word Count: 551