Aftermath of the Great War

The aftermath of the Great War was way more chaotic than I could have ever imagined. I know that it would have been hard to restore the damage done the Germany and that the reparations they owed were absolutely outlandish, but I did not know that Germany had to resort to the barter system after inflation made their money virtually worthless, as noted on page 210 of Germany, A New History. After the Great War, there was a power struggle. Honestly, I could hardly keep up with all of the names being thrown around in the beginning of the chapter, but from what I understood, two different parties wanted to be in power, until one party finally came into power and the short time of the Weimar Republic came about until Hitler took control in 1933. I found it very interesting to read about the chaotic aftermath of the Great War, because I could only imagine what happens after a war of this stature occurs, but now I actually have a better idea of what happens.
Germany almost ceased to exist at one point, because there was so much debt incurred, and they had to pay back reparations. According to page 209, Germany had to pay "132 billion marks in gold, to be paid off with six percent annual interest". At this point, the people of Germany did not have any money worth anything. There had been so much money printed off that it became utterly worthless. The coal mine that had helped Germany prosper before had become obsolete, and they had to bring in coal from outside sources, only putting them further into debt. I found the chart on page 212 very interesting. The chart shows how much a two pound loaf of bread would cost a person as time progressed. Starting in December 1919, a loaf cost 2.80 marks and by December 1923, a loaf of bread cost 399,000,000,000 marks. Just seeing this huge difference after four years is very shocking, but the chart is a very helpful visual aid in seeing this progression. It would not have been as effective just seeing the numbers written out.
Not only did they have to pay reparations to other countries, but Germany also had to think about rebuilding itself after all the destruction. People were tired and broken down and had lost all their moral. I could see why this would have been a dark time for Germany history, with the struggle for power within, everything being destroyed, having an economy that was no longer useful, and being repressed by the conditions of the peace treaty of Versailles.
According to the treaty, Germany was stripped of its military power and forced to become a democracy, on top of paying reparations and their poor economy. I am surprised Germany was able to eventually unify and overcome not only this rough period in time, but all of the rough times in their history leading up to their unification and establishment of a united Germany as well as the events that occurred afterward. This just shows how powerful of a nation Germany is. Because even at their lowest points, they are able to pull out of their depression and become one of the most powerful countries in the world, in my opinion. Even after dealing with reparations, the Holocaust, repression, and economic instability, Germany is still able to find its footing and pull ahead. Just to read about this progression is amazing.

Word Count: 604

This is an example of a German gold mark from 1914.

This is a picture of the chart I was talking about on page 212.

Schulze 3-5

So, the first thing I noticed was there were numerous, long lasting wars from 1684-1871. There were so many names of countries thrown around, at this point I am confused with who was allied with whom and which countries were enemies. But the recurring theme from chapters 3 to 5 was this want for a united Germany and a better government than being ruled by one person. At first, Germany was split into about 300 small principalities, all having their own identities within their towns, which made it difficult to unite into one single country. Another hardship with uniting into one country were the constant wars, because territories were often being added to existing countries once that country gained control, so the territory lines were changing often.

On page 86, there is a mention of a "German Nation" existing in a political sense, but not in any other sense. As mentioned before, the people were not united under one nation or even under one language, as also stated on page 86, efforts on behalf of creating and speaking one German language was restricted to Protestant areas. Martin Luther’s translation of the New Testament into German helped to promote the idea of one language, but not as much as was hope for only a small amount of people could actually read and Luther appealed to the Protestant people. Many people laughed at the idea of one language, but many also laughed at the idea of political reform, but both began sooner than they thought.

Because Germany was in smaller principalities, there had to be numerous people hired and trained in knowing what was happening everywhere in Germany. These highly trained professionals consisted of ordinary people, such as civil servants, teachers, doctors, and other professionals who were picked from the lesser aristocracy and the middle classes. On page 89 Schulze wrote, “They held their positions not on the basis of their inherited station in life but as a result of their training and ability.” This was a huge shift in power, because normally those who were born into certain families were the rulers just because of who their families were. But this shift was a step in the direction of not only political reform but it also helped to develop the standard German language spoken by everyone. The national identity these middle class workers felt spread throughout the rest of Germany and other citizens felt it as well.

Riding this high of feeling united as Germans, a group of men convened and wrote a constitution for Germany, but unfortunately they received no support and since they had no army, their constitution did not take effect, and Germany thus went back to a place where there was no freedom of speech and citizens continued their cries for political reform. Later, Germany split into two separate powers, Great Germany and Small Germany but they were eventually united into one Germany when Southern Germany renounced its ties with Prussia. Germany officially became one German nation on November 7^th, 1871.

Throughout Germany’s history, the people always seemed to want to unite Germany after a political reform failed, or after a war. In the beginning, a united Germany seemed impossible with folks feeling as though they were only united under politics. But what they did not realize was that they were always united as a people from the very beginning. Their shared ideas of what Germany should become united them into a nation before they even realized. Because while there were about 300 principalities with their own traditions and dialect, ultimately their shared want and need of reforms united them as one nation. 

Word count: 606

This is Germany split up into numerous, small principalities. Very messy.

This is Germany now, still with different regions but living as one unified nation.

Berlin History

The Brandenburg Gate

In 1836, Karl Marx went to school in Berlin and there began the revolution which ultimately marked the beginning of the division of Berlin and Germany into East and West. Karl Marx brought Communism to Berlin along with the ideals of one group of people. Until November 8^th, 1918, Germany was under the rule of the Kaiser. But World War One was lost, and the Kaiser had to renounce his throne, thus leading to the division in Berlin and Germany in their ideals. Karl Marx once said, “He who possess Berlin, controls Europe”. He wanted control of Berlin to go to the Communist Party in order to spread his left-wing ideas. By January 5^th, 1919, The Communists had control over all of Berlin’s important buildings, including the Brandenburg Gate. Fights broke out in the streets, and eventually, the Freiburg Core took back control from the Communists and the Communist uprising was stopped.

Street named after Marx still in Germany

            I find it very interesting the see the progression from the time of Fritz to the time of Marx, and how it seemed as though Marx furthered Frederick’s ideas and put them into action. It is amazing how the ideas of two men can spread so quickly and divide a once united country in a matter of seconds. While it is easy to tear down statues and rename streets, the remaining Communist statues and street signs help to remind the Germans of their past. I feel it is a very powerful reminder to see what was left after such a shaky time in history. It is a reminder of what happened and what not to let happen once again.

            Marx had a significant influence over Germany at this time, and his influence is still seen today in the form of Communist statues and street names. His influence helped lead to the permanent division of Berlin and Germany. Two Republics were formed—the Federal Republic of Germany (West Germany) and the German Democratic Republic (East Germany). But first the Weimar Republic was established.

            Another source of conflict between the East and West was the demolition of the Schloss. The Communists said that it represented the wrong kind history with its imperial past. It was demolished in 1950 and is still a big, sandy, empty space in the middle of Berlin. The Schloss that once stood there is planned to be rebuilt in the space, but not all agree. I do not think that Germany should rebuild something from the past, but should build something meant to promote their future ideals. While it is important to remember Germany’s past history, it is also important to take a step forward, especially after the tragic events in Germany’s past.

The Berlin Wall

            After the demolition, barbed wire Sunday occurred, and that barbed wire structure soon became the Berlin Wall. At first, the East and West competed through the rebuilding of their communities and buildings. But the competition did not stay as harmless as the building structures.

            On January 30^th, 1933, Hitler was sworn in as Chancellor. Nazi propaganda spread like crazy with the promise of a new era different from that of the Weimar Republic. In 1961, the Berlin Wall was built, officially dividing East and West Germany and Berlin. The East followed the ideas of Communism, while West Germany did not. The Wall was heavily guarded and of the many who tried to cross over from East to West, a lot were killed before they could make it.
Just imagine, you are separated from your family and you cannot go see them. You are under the rule of the Communist regime, and are under constant watch. You have to watch what you say to people whom you trust, and decide if you can even trust anyone you used to. The Nazis and the Secret Police made people paranoid, and everyone lived in constant fear. It is unimaginable unless you've actually gone through it. It is difficult to even try and emphasize... It is almost too difficult for me to grasp what those living through this time period must have really gone through.
The wall carried a lot of feelings of oppression and it divided many families and friends from one another. It was built straight through Germany, even through cemeteries. Germany has gone through many sad and tragic events, and they are still reminded of their past today with remnants of the wall as well as the street signs and statues mentioned early. While it is sad, it is a powerful force keeping Germany from repeating history and constantly moving forward.

Word Count: 757

Martin Luther

Castle door where the 95 Theses can be found in bronze.

Martin Luther stood up for what he believed in. He continually fought against the Pope, and made many claims, such as all the Germans’ money is going towards all of the attendants whom follow the Pope as he parades around the streets. He did not like the way the church and the Pope were controlling the Germans.

            Luther was condemned to a future of the most horrendous tortures and was threatened to be executed by burning, yet he still wrote and circulated him opinions to his fellow members of society. He even said that those of the present day did not agree with him, but he kept writing for future generations, which have the most power in my opinion. Changing the minds of future generations is what brings about social change, because they hear about and read about the social injustices brought about by the church and Pope from such a early age that it has a greater impact than trying to change the minds of those who have lived with these injustices and have grown accustom to over their lifetime. Those of the present are too brainwashed and comfortable with how their lives are progressing that they don’t dare try and change anything.

Martin Luther caught a few lucky breaks such as the printing press coming about in order for him to spread his word faster than it could be burned. Also, Frederick the Wise protected Luther, because Luther was teaching at Wittenberg and bringing followers to this small university. While he found much resistance, he still gained followers in his writings. The way he wrote seemed refreshing. Just with what was read aloud in the videos, it was probably different than what many heard on a daily basis. I feel like he was straight to the point and didn’t bullshit everyone or come up with excuses. He told it like it was and was willing to die for what he believed in. I feel as though some of that carried over into life today in Germany, because many are straight to the point and say what they mean, instead of trying to be passive aggressively nice about something. I also feel as though the need to stop social injustice has carried into modern day life in Germany as well. They don’t put up with things that aren’t right.

The Wartburg Castle where Luther sought refuge from Frederick the Wise

Martin Luther, the man himself!

While many thought what Luther was writing was crazy, Luther actually followed closely to what the Bible said for the most part. Luther honestly though he was dealing with the Antichrist and that it had to be stopped. He had perseverance, which is an important quality to have while trying to change society. Martin Luther had a huge impact on Germany, and his writing for future generations helped bring about a change in the church and with the Pope that impacted Germany forever. His ideals carried onto many individuals such as Calvin and even the Pilgrims who came to America and founded a society based on religious freedom. He was so important that many places of interest pertaining to Luther can be found and visited.

Word Count: 525

Germany, A New History

This cathedral in Ulm has the tallest spire, 161m!

As in many societies, security and a sense of wholeness amongst those living within the society are a need. But during the time of the Renaissance in Germany, those in power had to lead what they considered to be a lavish lifestyle and heavily taxed those who were faithful to the church. Those taxed were not thought of and many did not have the money to give. This caused turmoil within the society and many feared the Apocalypse was coming due to this constant friction. People were just searching for the security which the church had brought them before. But without this security, many turned their backs on the church and antichurch sentiments began to sprout. A call for reform brought about the change Germany needed. I find this interesting, because it is crazy for me to think that friction between society and church would cause members to think the Apocalypse was imminent. It appeared as though religion was a strong value many had, and it’s something I do not understand. I never followed any religion nor do I know much about religion, but I can tell how important it was for Germany to have a strong and faithful church to believe in and follow. It is funny to think that our Apocalypse thinking these days is centered around the ideas of zombie attacks and the Earth losing all of its natural resources, not turmoil between society and church. This call for reform is a common theme throughout the history of America as well as other countries. A reoccurring need in many societies over time seems to be security. Members of society want to feel safe and during this time in Germany, many did not feel safe due to those in power as well the spreading plagues and famines. Germany has many beautiful churches scattered across the country and that also shows me how important church and religion is.

This is the Berlin Cathedral, built between 1894-1905.

Word count: 319

Awwww yeah...

These are my pups!

 Ever since I was young, I was interested in Germany. I am half German, half Italian, but I always have followed my German roots more closely. When people discover I am German, one of the first things they think of is Nazism, and they ask if I am a Nazi. What kind of question is that? How can you just ask someone a question like that? It has always bugged me how Germany has had such a bad reputation and how immediately the first thing people think of are Nazis. Not about the culture, the architecture, the economy, the beauty of it all… No, just Nazis. This pushed me to want to learn more myself, because I considered myself slightly less ignorant, I still wasn’t fully informed. The most informed I was regarded all black German Sherpherds, because those are the dogs I grew up with. That's about it.

I took a class my senior year of high school as a blow off class, but instead I became deeply interested. Then I discovered I needed to take a language in college, so instead of choosing the ever popular Spanish, I chose German. I had already taken five years of Spanish. I didn’t want this experience to be another blow off thing. I take foreign language seriously and have an absolute passion for it. I love hearing the language, I love being able to think in another language, I love being able to read and write and teach my fiancé. I love it all. If I wasn’t so in love with Psychology, German would be my major. But instead I cheat on Psychology with German and have made it my minor. 

Anyway… I have learned a lot about Germany, the culture, the sights and different cities that I want to actually see it. Like see it, up close, breathe in the air and take those annoying tourism photos. I don’t want to look at things anymore just on the computer. I also want to be able to put my skills in speaking and reading into play. But I have the realistic view that I will be reading a lot, but not speaking a lot. I know that once the younger generations find out you’re American, they want to practice their English with you. I am risking my pride to go on this trip, because I will cry on the airplane when it takes off. I hate heights and hate the feeling you get in the pit of your stomach like you experience on rollercoasters. This won’t go well for me, but I doubt I will have an opportunity like this again in my lifetime.

Erfurt Market. So beautiful.

I anticipate learning about architecture. I know almost nothing about it. Not due to lack of trying, but I had a class about it in high school and then never went back to it. The information just kind of slowly leaked out of my head to make room for other information. I anticipate learning how to read a map and train schedule! I stink with directions and reading maps and trying to give directions. It’s a big mess. I also anticipate having fun while learning. It won’t be a straight lecture everyday sitting in a boring old classroom kind of class. It’s going to be real. Going out and experiencing the real world. And I hope it goes well, even though I anticipate a lot of rough patches with the culture itself and trying not to stick out like an American. But, I’ll still try and make the most of it. I cannot wait to go to Erfurt, especially the Christmas Market, and Weimar and just Thüringen in general. I enjoyed doing my project on Thüringen and am excited to see some of what I came across in my research.

Confusing, right?

    Word Count:604