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Germany, 10/1/07
Key Lecture Points:
• October 3, 2007 marks the 17th anniversary of German reunification. November 9-10, 2007 marks the 19th anniversary of the fall of the Berlin Wall. October 6, 2007 is German-American day, celebrating the historic ties between the two countries. These dates provide us with an opportunity to examine Germany history and current developments, with a focus upon reunification, issues that continue to divide the German people, and relations with the United States.
• Until 1871, Germany was not a unified country. Rather, it was a collection of kingdoms, principalities, fiefdoms, religious enclaves, and independent towns and cities. Taking the long view of history, German unification is the exception, not the rule, especially taking into account later, 20th century divisions of the German population during WWII and the Cold War.
• Although it’s been over a decade and a half since the reunification of East and West Germany, the country is still dealing with the repercussions of the change. Particularly in the economic realm, huge gaps still exist between East and West. Unemployment is higher in the East, and millions of young people have left the East to seek better opportunity further west. These economic issues, as well as social and cultural obstacles to reunification, are among the many issues facing Chancellor Angela Merkel, herself East German.
• Several issues revolving around Turkey have also topped Merkel’s priority list. Turkish accession to the EU is staunchly opposed by the Chancellor. Furthermore, Germany is becoming increasingly polarized with regard to its significant Muslim (mostly Turkish) population. Tensions between the Muslim and non-Muslim portions of the population have only grown since the recent arrest of several Muslim suspects in a terror plot.
• German relations with the US are complex. After fighting against one another in both World Wars, the US and West Germany established close military, economic and diplomatic relations during the Cold War. Today, while on many fronts relations are warm (war on terror, Balkans, NATO), Germany has publicly condemned both the Iraq War and US plans to erect a missile defense system in Poland.
Exploration Questions:
• How did WWI affect Germany and set the stage for the rise of Hitler?
• What do you see as the greatest challenge for Chancellor Merkel in her efforts to maintain a unified and peaceful Germany?
• Like many European countries, Germany is struggling with its immigrant population, without a long history of welcoming immigration. What might the Germans learn from the American experience of immigration?
Reflective Question:
• Have you ever traveled to Germany? If so what recollections do you have of the country?
• German culture is very distinctive. What are your favorite German cultural contributions?
• There is a sizable German-American population. In what ways do you see the German culture reflected in this country?
For More Information:
• State Department Country Background Note, Germany: www.state.gov
• About former German Chancellor Kohl: http://news.bbc.co.uk
• About Chancellor Merkel: http://www.iht.com
• Timeline of the Berlin Wall: http://news.bbc.co.uk
Books For Further Reading:
• Bendersky, Joseph W. A Concise History of Nazi Germany. Roman and Littlefield, 2006. 228 pages.
Description: This is a good introduction to Nazi Germany and the factors that contributed to the rise and fall of Hitler’s regime.
Click here to order.
• Eisenberg, Carolyn. Drawing the Line: The American Decision to Divide Germany, 1944-1949. Cambridge University Press, 1998. 538 pages.
Description: Clearly opinionated, this book argues that the United States was the key player in the division of East and West Germany, and documents the US role in this context.
Click here to order.
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