Cultural History Timeline
Otto Von Bismarck, the chancellor of Prussia orchestrated the unification of Germany through a series of diplomatic maneuvers and wars. The result of this was the proclamation of the German Empire in 1871, Wilhelm I being the first emperor of Germany. (Picture below is Otto Von Bismarck)
How do the people of Germany view this unification? During the unification of Germany, the perceptions of Germans toward other cultures of the time were influenced by nationalism and the political climate of the time. Bismarck’s strategic diplomacy fostered a sense of German superiority and unity, often at the expense of neighboring cultures. An example of this was the Franco-Prussian War, which unified German states against a common enemy and reinforced a perception of French inferiority.
Moreover, how did this event help with the development of cultural Values, goals, expectations, and identity? Under Bismarck, Germany developed a strong national identity and cultural values around unity, strength, and industrialism. The proclamation of the German Empire in 1871 marked these efforts, symbolizing the birth of a powerful and unified German state. This period saw the rise of cultural values such as loyalty, militarism, and economic growth. The expectations aligned with the vision of a dominant and influential Germany on the European stage.
Interwar and WWII:
In 1933, Hitler and his Nazi party became powerful through democratic means. His regime implemented a series of policies that established a totalitarian state. The Enabling Act of 1933 granted Hitler authority to enact laws without democratic approval. The outbreak of WWII had devastating consequences as the Nazi regime’s military aggression led to conflict and suffering. Part of this was the Holocaust where the Nazi’s implemented a plan to commit mass genocide, killing about six million Jews and millions of other minorities.
Perceptions, behaviors and attitude toward other cultures. The rise of the Nazi regime had a large impact on the attitude of Germans toward other cultures. The Nazi ideology promoted a sense of superiority and racial purity, leading to hostility towards Jews, Romani people, and other minorities. This period saw implementation of dehumanized and marginalized policies that led to the Holocaust. The propaganda used by the Nazi regime entrenched those negative perceptions and behaviors, fostering hatred and intolerance.
The Nazi totalitarian control reshaped German values, goals, and identity. The glorification of the German state became central to national identity. These values aligned with the regime goals of expansion and militarism, leading to a territorial conquest and suppression of dissent. The aftermath of WWII had a lasting impact on German identity. The horrors of the regime led to reflection and reconciliation in post-war Germany. The country went through a process of denazification, and began rebuilding its identity based on democratic values, human rights, and a commitment to peace.
Reunification:
After the cold war, and by the late 1980’s political changes in the Soviet Union and pressure for reforms led to a thaw in relations between the Soviet Union and East Germany. Peaceful protests and the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989 marked a turning point for Germany for the first time since Hitler came to power. Reunification of Germany was achieved on October 3, 1990, when East and West Germany once again became a single nation. The process involved lots of negotiations, economic problems, and merging of social systems. The reunification marked the end of the Cold War division and beginning of a new era for Germany.
The reunification of Germany in 1990 had an impact on the attitudes of Germans toward other cultures. The fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification fostered a sense of optimism and openness. Germans began to look towards the ideas of unity and cooperation, within their own countries, and neighboring nations. The end of the Cold War division allowed for cultural exchange and collaboration, leading to a more inclusive and tolerant society.
Reunification also brought a shift in German identity. The merging of East and West Germany required the integration of two distinct cultural and social systems. This process involved overcoming economic disparity, addressing social inequality, and sharing a national identity. The reunified Germany aimed to build a society based on democratic values, human rights, and economic prosperity. It also led to new cultural goals, and expectations. Germans went after a more inclusive and diverse society where different backgrounds were valued. The experience of reunification reinforced the importance of unity, cooperation and mutual respect. The black-red-gold flag of Germany symbolized progress and hope for a better future.
These three events in German history caused Germany to go through major changes in 100 years. From Germany’s first unification under Bismarck where values of individualism were important, to becoming a totalitarian government under the Nazi party where everyone suddenly lost their god-given rights, to the end of the 20th century where Germany was reunited once again and valued peace, respect, unity, and cooperation. Becoming a country where these values are important wasn’t as simple as it may seem, it took over 100 years of fighting and political action to get to that point.
I found a great documentary that covers the history of Germany. It’s called “The ENTIRE History of Germany” and is available on YouTube. This documentary dives deep into Germany’s complex history from the early Germanic tribes to the modern, unified nation. It highlights the key events, wars, movements, and influential figures that shape Germany’s identity and role in Europe and the world. The documentary used great sources, maps, music, and narration to bring the story to life for us viewers. You can watch this informative documentary here!
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