Wars of the World

Germany has had large roles in both of the world wars that we've experienced throughout the history of our modern world. Not only did Germany have a lot to do with the issues that caused the wars, but the significant impacts of both of these wars on Germany was substantial.

As we have learned about Germany, it has become easy to see that the country stood separated for a majority of its history. Having suffered in the past from being divided for centuries upon centuries, it seemed as though the people of Germany would never experience a truly combined state of any sort. This made it more important to the German people that this did, in fact, happen. This history along with the longing need of the general population to be unified, lead up to the events of 1871. At this point, Germany became an organized and unified country.

Having lost wars because of their separation, it’s no surprise that they were excited to finally be stronger now that they were together as a country. They quickly experienced the strain of this new unification, as they entered the beginnings of World War I. They were blamed as the cause of the war and even worse for the German people was that the war took place on their soil. This led to the great destruction of large parts of Germany. After the conclusion of the war, they were the sole country blamed for the entirety of the war and forced to pay large reparations for this.

The reparations and agreements in the Paris Peace Conference led to the League of Nations which brought about the mandate for demilitarization and reparations. Even before the demands were solidified, it was clear that they would be devastating to Germany as a whole (Schulze 203). When it was all said and done, Germany was held to the Treaty of Versailles.  Although the country was not divided, that only meant that they would suffer because of the demands together. British Prime Minister Lloyd George took the time to point out that it would be difficult to “draw up a peace which will not provoke a fresh struggle when those who have had practical experience of what war means have passed away” (Schulze 204). This statement shows everything that was wrong with the Treaty of Versailles. Because of its harshness, it would seem that once the people who fought in the war and knew why they were blamed had passed, those who grew up suffering because of the consequences would rise against the situation they were in.

This all took a disastrous toll on the country and its morale. With the country in shambles and its people struggling with their brand new yet broken country, Germany needed change. This change came in the form of a rising political power named Adolf Hitler. When there was no direction, Hitler provided a cause to unify and assemble. This gave the country and sense of strength that continued to grow into the Nationalist Socialist German Workers’ Party. This is more commonly known as the Nazi Party. They quickly came to power and directed Germany towards a larger Germany that was successful in terms of government and economy. That easily appeased the Germans who were tired of living in a depression. As it progressed, they gradually grew in military strength. It all started when the Nazis invaded Poland and the rest of Europe. This led to World War II which left Germany also defeated in terms of losing the war, however, their country was ridiculously humiliated by incredible demands that destroyed their country. It was still a tragic moment for Germany (especially with the actions taken against the Jewish community), but it served as a mark of a new Germany. One that became better than it had ever been before.

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Germany Becoming Germany

The biggest thing that drove the creation of a unified German state was the people within its borders. Through the entire history of Germany, it had remained a broad land made up of many small kingdoms. This kept them separated to the utmost extent. Everyone was so close together in terms of the area of Europe, but yet they were all separated by kingdoms - even those that were mere miles apart. This led to a country that lived together, grew up together, but yet when it came to declaring a joint decision such as war, or defending themselves against invading forces, there was little power that could organize the population of Germany.

Napoleon Bonaparte

This was an enormous problem for the people who belonged to these territories. Being defeated rather easily simply because there was no central, focused power to guide them was something that was not taken lightly. This became especially apparent when Napoleon Bonaparte went on his warpath through Europe. At this time, he invaded Germany with ease and demanded huge sums for reparations. Again, still divided, Germany was humiliated (Schulze, 102). The people lived in separate lands. These lands were not connected and therefore were not able to pay these amounts. There was no organization to how they would be collected and paid in order to keep the German lands in good spirits with Napoleon after being so easily defeated by his organized army.

This is what drove them to demand a different way of life. The large separation and divide that they had always lived with had unfortunately left them incredibly weak and vulnerable. Perfect for the picking of a conqueror such as Bonaparte. They were shown their own weaknesses and refused to stand for it. They had been humiliated in front of the rest of Europe. Lucky for them, Bonaparte spared their lands for the most part in order to form a natural barrier between his own empire and Russia. Even then, his soldiers didn’t mind taking from the lands of the Germans and giving absolutely nothing back. This was a further insult to the already angered German people. This was a lasting feeling that would drive them towards unification.

Angry Peasants

Having become increasingly fed up with their split situation, the people listened to the ideas that the French soldiers spoke of. The concepts of “nation” and “patriotism” (Schulze, 104). These things all instilled the concept of a common focus for the people of France. In the German’s eyes, it must have seemed as though these concepts led to the might and power of Bonaparte. After all, he had a great army full of people who believed in the civic duty and responsibilities in order to achieve their sense of belonging to their country (Schulze, 104). Even as Napoleon fell from power, the ideas stayed and continued to stay in the minds of Germans. Once the wars with Napoleon were completely over, the states were back in control once again. Overall, keeping the north eastern corner of Europe separated still (Schulze, 107).

German Confederation

The idea of a “nation” could be ever so slightly seen in the concept of the German Confederation that struggled to be even a loose group of the states that ruled over the German people (Schulze, 107). Even while the states met to ensure that there would be no revolts or uprisings, people were still holding onto the ideas of a “nation” that they could belong to, instead of just a small state to which they were currently indebted (Schulze, 111). At least these states were having conversations between each other and establishing certain principles that all agreed upon. Cooperation could only help the shattered states of Germany eventually become whole.

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Berlin's Incredibly Interesting History

Divided Berlin, ninaschmidt.ca

I’m just going to start off saying that I simply never knew that any part of Berlin was under Soviet control. I have no idea how I never knew that, after learning so much about history in general throughout the years, especially while taking AP European History and the like. I remember learning all about World War I and II. I also clearly recognize the Berlin Wall and the separation it brought to the people of Berlin. I’m guessing I never really looked deeper into the reason for the Wall and also the differences between the West and East sides of Berlin. Going deeper into the history throughout these videos, it’s easy to see why Communism and the like remained popular in Germany. Its ideas had come to fruition within the country and throughout history, Germany has always loved its philosophers. His thoughts and ideas were reminiscent of Frederick the Great - their first great ruler that was well liked for his interests in art and music. (However, in this example, explicitly due to the fondness of philosophy.) Red Berlin was a large part of their past that initially started the separation of people in the city in terms of politics and ideals. This division grew over time, reinforced by financial and political instability.

The capitalist West and the soviet East were so close to each other, yet so different in a number of various aspects. They each had their own ideas about great historical landmarks and procedures within their sides of the city. A lot of this was seen through the times in the buildings they tore down and reconstructed. Even buildings that were purposefully not reconstructed and instead, entirely replaced. While Germany stood as a city of improvement and industry throughout its history, a lot of the buildings have continued to stand as icons for the city’s times and events. Throughout the different eras and styles, old castles and modern-looking living spaces, I can’t help but compare the same idea of emotion and politics that take place with the buildings of Miami, Florida. It’s amazing to see the old buildings mixed with the new. The rustic, ancient design standing next to a bring, shining, modern hotel, for example.

TV Tower, classicfm.com

The futuristic TV Tower which could be seen across Berlin was a shining beacon of the future and progress. Bright Floridian colors like pastel blues and yellows discern the old buildings in Miami. The glass and metal structures and art forms across the city represent the new era of design that has taken hold. The constant reconstruction combined with the constant restoration brings a surprisingly beautiful combination in Miami. From the videos we watched, it will be incredibly interesting to see that same kind of beauty in the buildings in and around Berlin. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but there’s something special about Berlin. Everyone who knows about it, seems to care about it. The people who live there, love it. It’s their home and they seem as though they would do anything for the city and the people within it, no matter what. At the same time, they all acknowledge themselves as part of the world. They have a strong sense of who they are, where they belong, and what they’re doing. They also know and acknowledge the history of Germany - good and bad. They make the best and most of it and show that they are still the city that was once seen as bright and futuristic. Rich in color and culture, the city of Berlin is incredibly unique and yet so easily associated to the rest of the humankind.

Berlin, theloftberlin.com

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Martin Luther

Martin Luther is one of the most important people in the history of Europe when it comes to influence, especially in terms of religion. He stood as a light of freedom and revolution against the darkness and corruption of the Catholic church. Indulgences and bribery were open and widespread for getting into the Church and for getting into Heaven. These issues and over 93 others were found and critiqued by Luther and shoved at the Church - not giving them a chance to refuse these complaints, but putting them in the hands of the Church and demanding the answers and reasons for their actions. This was something that had never been done in such a blunt and public manner.

His actions were unheard of and his writings were strongly worded in vulgar and rude language aimed towards the Church. They were intended to be this way, so that his ideas could be so clearly and unmistakably understood by everyone and anyone who listened to his teachings. This abrasive wording also gave his words the attention and popularity that he wanted it to have.

Diet of Worms, http://www.luther.de/

Without his eloquent way of writing, his issues with the Church would seem to be simple complaints. With his ways, they were items of a long list of all of the vile and atrocious actions that had taken place in the sacred halls of their most beloved and popular religion. Luther also stood up for his ideas and claimed them as his own - saying that he could not refuse them or recant them, simply because he utterly and truly believed in them (Diet of Worms). His actions, teachings, and writings were something that Europe had never seen before, and his overall dedication to his cause was nothing short of revolutionary.

Printing Press, http://3219a2.medialib.glogster.com/

Not only did he have revolutionary thoughts about religion, but he also had revolutionary ways of doing things. Luther was one of the first to take advantage of the newer technology of the time. Using the printing press, his teachings were distributed throughout Germany and Europe - all based out of Wittenberg. This provided him the outreach that he needed to call upon the rest of Europe to take notice of what was happening. The Church was finally being called upon to answer for the wrongs they had been doing. With so many people being able to access the writings and teachings of Luther, it was no wonder that such a large number of them also found fault with the Church.

Being as important as was to all of Europe, he had a special meaning to the people of Germany. Not only was his home there, he provided a great service to the people. Not only did his teachings end up showing them the wrongs of religion, but he gave them the power and knowledge to judge for themselves. He translated the Bible into German. This is nothing short of amazing on multiple fronts. Not only did it give them the logical ammunition to determine for themselves how they felt about religious teachings and rulings, but it also aided in education. The people learned to read, to reason, to think for themselves. All of this, due to Martin Luther.

German Bible, http://rarebiblesatmobia.files.wordpress.com/

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History of Germany: Germany's Divisions

Throughout Germany’s history, it has been seen and known as a collection of lands and peoples. At first, all very different and unique with separate identities. Cities and towns could be mere miles apart but seem completely different in terms of language, religion, culture, etc. As Schulze describes in Chapter 2, there was a divide between the empire of Germany during the Reformation. The Southwest area of Germany remained Catholic and joined in the Counter-Reformation culture of Southern Europe. In the Northeast, the Protestants stayed supportive of the ways of the Reformation. The difference kept them separate in many ways - including the cultural development within the empire. While Catholic Germany devoted their time to the arts of painting, sculpture, theater, and architecture, the Protestant Germany spent theirs furthering language, literature, and religiously-themed musical pieces. This separation of development further emphasized the parts of Germany and that they were indeed separated. Again, adding into the mixture of things that made Germany seem assembled instead of united.

Raphael's School of Athens

The divide between religions in Germany was happening all over Europe, and in later years, would develop the same way. The Renaissance was essentially along the same lines, with the North and South of Europe both putting their effort towards different endeavors. The North of Europe steered towards religious works and sculptures, while the South emphasized their classic mythological background through the same artistic outlets.

1986 by Thierry Noir at Bethaniendamm in Berlin-Kreuzberg

The division is also somewhat reminiscent of the later splitting of Germany after World War II. The building of the Berlin wall quite literally separated the city of Berlin between the East and West sides. The wall was for entirely different reasons regarding the separation of Fascist ideas from the West and the Eastern Bloc that was dedicated to creating a socialist state in Eastern Germany.

This seems to be an apparent theme within Germany and its history. Though originally a collection of smaller lands, it’s grown together over time, though strong separation still stands between the East and West. It is said many places that these separations are apparent in the lives and places of Germany.

I think it will be interesting (if possible) to see if this stands true - if there is a noticeable difference between the styles and cultures of western vs. eastern Germany. On the opposite side of this idea, I wonder what the strong similarities are between the two. This is in terms of the differences they once had that might have carried over to the other and vice-versa. It’s just something to think about I guess!

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Why go to Germany? Because.

I've always loved history. It's my favorite subject. You learn about all of the great things that happened before you ended up on this planet and all of the differences and anomalies within all of the pieces and parts of world. There's so much culture to learn about. The ways of life can be staggeringly different from the way we walk along city streets in downtown Chicago while pulling out our phone and texting someone. That's not the norm in every place of the world.

Learning about all of the differences makes me realize lots of things about the midwestern United States and the major one is that it's not fulfilling to live here. Multitudes of people who visit Illinois specifically have said that it's too busy and uptight and everyone's so busy doing something that they end up getting nothing done.

During my childhood, we used to go on vacations to Cancún, Mexico every December. It's not the same as visiting Europe, but traveling has always been a great and positive experience. Along the lines of Germany, I've always been fascinated with the Europe. There's a story behind the people there, and unlike the U.S., it's more than 250 years long. So much has happened there and it's so interesting to peek into the history of those countries.

That's all just the back story to why I want to go on a trip to Europe. The reason why I actually wanted to go to Germany is that I find it to be one the most interesting countries in the world. They've been a large part of history with their involvement in many of the events that impacted large parts of the world. I've also always known that I have some German heritage, but recently (within the past...2 years or so) my brother went to Germany and ended up looking into our history there. Some generations ago, my ancestors lived on the northern coast. I've also never seen any castles, and I think it would be fascinating to see some of the most iconic structures from history that are still standing.

Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany, Winter

As strange as it seems, another thing that I'm very interested in is technology and the way it's used in Germany. I say this because the world has always applauded Germany for their quality in terms of the products they make (cars come to mind). I'm sure that technology plays a large role in the way that these products are idealized, proposed, created, and distributed. Aside from that, their mobile devices and their use are probably the most interesting. I don't know if the typical worker there answers work emails every second of the day from their mobile device, but looking at their mobile devices and their networks is something I'm also interested in.

T-Mobile in the USA = Deutsche Telekom in Germany

Here in the United States, we have "fast" speeds for communication and using the internet. In Europe (generally speaking), they don't have the "4G" that we have here. At least, not in the same way. Applying that to their lives, it would be interesting to notice how differently they live and how they view life compared to the fast-paced workers of Chicago. In the United States we have "4G" LTE because we demand immediate satisfaction for both work and personal reasons. Is it the same way in Germany? Not to mention the fact that the United States is very high on the list of countries where it is the most expensive to own a smartphone.

Don't get me wrong, I still want to explore every other part of German culture, since they're known for their different foods, beer, music, art, and pretty much everything else I could ever think of. Surprisingly enough, tech isn't the only thing I'm obsessed with.

I really hope to learn a lot about traveling, about culture, and about people. There's so much to learn and see and do while we're there that I can't help already thinking that I'm going to be extremely disappointed to leave.

Christmas Market (http://www.gendarmenmarktberlin.de/)

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Website Intentions

Hello All!

This website will be used to share my experiences and projects for my trip to Germany this December. I will be posting assignments along with bits and pieces of what happens while I'm there.

Thank you for reading!