Blog #4 German History

In Schulze novel he really shines light upon the idea that throughout Germany’s history they struggled to form a national government and remained untied together as separate factions of Germany. The Germans of the 18^th century did not come together to form a national political union, however they did begin to advance and become one as a culture. The language that all printers began to write in was that of German, this is important because although they did not have one central government they did have one central language. Not having a central government also gave birth to many scholars and intellectuals, because not many citizens were involved in running the central government there was a strong importance set on education. From this the German region saw the formation of many doctors, poets, civil servants, and clergyman, in other words a more elite group of educated citizens. Also during this time many of the smaller factions during times of unrest aligned with the two biggest factions in Germany at the time, Prussia and Austria. “When terms such as “nation”, “fatherland”, or “patriotism” cropped up, they could refer equally well to some vaguely defined Germany, to the specific political unit in which one lived, or both at once” (Schulze 102). This quote really highlights how there was a loss for a central identity to Germany. The citizens who lived in the area were loyal to their leaders of their specific houses. It was only through the development of the arts, and the educated elite that Germany began to acquire a population that was more tightly knit.

When comparing the United States and Germany in the way they were unified there are many similarities, but also some differences. Both were made up of different colonies, and both managed themselves separately. For example New York had different ways of running their colony compared to Virginia. This is the case as well with Prussia and Austria. However where they are different is how they unified as a whole. The American colonies came together with one common goal, and set up a political platform that everyone in America stood for. Germany on the other hand did not have political issues at the forefront of their unification; rather they used their culture to form what we know as Germany today. It’s quite ironic as well because in Germany today there is still great divide between citizens on social issues such as religion. Since the country wasn’t founded on key principles, and fundamental rights, the emphasis on Germany's cultural background is highlighted more in the Germany we know today.

Another key ingredient in the formulation of Germany as a whole was the industrialization of its society. Rather than prosper because of political revolution and unique structure of government Germany’s economy create a massive amount of jobs. By creating jobs, making technological advances in transportation, and a massive migration to urban areas Germany transformed itself into a nation with an identity. Something that we talked about in class that I found very interesting was how Germany is not built around one city much like France and England were. This helped in balancing the power between city-states, which helped make up for the lack of governmental organization.

At the very end of chapter 5 the unification of Germany can be seen, however it is also an ironic sight. Never before had both legislators, and general’s lead together. This is exactly what was about to happen parliament had voted for the unification of Germany as well as the nobility of Germany. This read was very interesting because it provides a gateway from the beginning of the German lands to what we know Germany as today. The time period between these events are pivotal in how Germany was formed. If it wasn’t for the events that took place in the 17^th, 18^th, and 19^th century’s Germany may still be a clump of city-states or not exist at all.

(Bismark Great German General)