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