Historical Milestones of Germany - Essay Example

Running head: Global studies- Study about Germany GLOBAL STUDIES Germany, officially the Federal Republic of Germany, is one of the developed nations of Europe. It was regularly cited in 20th century history, mostly for bad reasons. It was behind the fuelling of World War I to satisfy its imperialistic goals and latter the humiliation uttered on Germany by the Versailles treaty triggered the World War II. The royal German Empire ruled the nation during the beginning of the century. The German Empire begins with the unification of Germany and proclamation of William I of Prussia as German Emperor (January 18, 1871), effectively ending with the proclamation of the German republic by Philipp Scheidemann (November 9, 1918) and formally end with the abdication of William II (November 28, 1918). Although nominally a league of equals, in practice the empire was dominated by the largest and most powerful state, Prussia. The period of Bismarck was considered a golden era under whom, Germany rose to become one among the greatest powers of the world. The imperial crown was hereditary in the House of Hohenzollern, the kings of Prussia. The last king in the Prussian era was William II. William became internationally known for his aggressive foreign policy positions and strategic blunders which pushed the German Empire into political isolation and later into World War I. Under William II, Germany no longer had long-ruling strong chancellors like Bismarck. William II wanted Germany to have its "place in the sun" like the British Empire and set Germany to begin colonial efforts in Africa and the Pacific. With much territory in Africa colonized, Germans got only a small share. This created a fight for power, which eventually triggered World War I. Emperor William II abdicated the throne and then Government received an armistice on November 11, 1918 which marked the end of World War I. It also signed the Humiliating Versailles treaty. The imperialism was succeeded by the democratic, yet flawed, Weimar Republic. It was doomed from the beginning since even moderates disliked it and extremists on both the left and right loathed it. It eventually brought Nazis led by Adolph Hitler to power. Nazism or National Socialism refers primarily to the ideology and practices of the Nazi Party under Adolph Hitler; and the policies adopted by the government of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945. It established a kind of imperialism on Germany and despised Jews and communists. It ruled Germany during the pre-war period and Hitler became "The Fhrer". He started World War II citing the humiliation of Germany in World War II. Germany was defeated by allied forces in the War. Following Germany's defeat in World War II and the beginning of the Cold War, Germany was split, representing the focus of the two global blocs in the east and west. International plans for the unification of Germany were made during the early years following the establishment of the two states, but to no avail. During the summer of 1989, rapid changes took place in East Germany, which ultimately led to German reunification. Only in 1990 would Germany be reunited. Towards end of the Century, Germany became the centre of attraction in European Union. It is one of the most industrialized and developed nations of the world. (The Causes of World War One (2004)) German Education: The German Empire had a strong influence on German culture, including its education. Kingdom of Prussia was among the first countries in the world (if not the first at all) to introduce free and generally compulsory primary education, consisting of an eight-year course of primary education, Volksschule. Under the German Empire the school system became more centralized. More secondary schools were established, and the state had the right to set standards and to supervise the newly established schools. Four different types of secondary schools developed: A nine-year classical Gymnasium (focusing on Latin and Greek or Hebrew, plus one modern language), a nine-year Realgymnasium (focusing on Latin, modern languages, science and mathematics), a six-year Realschule (without university entrance qualification, but with the option of becoming a trainee in one of the modern industrial, office or technical jobs) and a nine-year Oberrealschule (focusing on modern languages, science and mathematics). After World War I, the Weimar Republic established a free, universal 4-year elementary school (Grundschule). Students can continue at these schools for another 4-year course and those who can pay a small fee went on to an Intermediate school (Mittelschule) that provided a more challenging curriculum for an additional one or two years. Nazi ideologies were added to student education during Hitler Regime; however, the basic education system remained unchanged. These Nazi ideas were eliminated from the curriculum post war. Educational systems based on culture occupying were introduced in West and East Germany. When West Germany gained partial independence in 1949, its new constitution (Grundgesetz) granted educational autonomy to the state (Lnder) governments. The Basic Law of 1949 grants every German citizen the right to self-fulfillment. In theory, citizens are able to choose the type of education they want and are given access to their preferred occupation or profession. The goal of educational policy is therefore to provide each citizen with opportunities to grow personally, professionally, and as a citizen in accordance with his or her abilities and preferences. (John Rodden. (2002)). German Economy: Under the German Empire, Germany became one of the most Industrialized nation in line with Amereica. Industrialization progressed dynamically in Germany and German manufacturers began to capture domestic markets from British imports, and also to compete with British industry abroad, particularly in the United States. By the time of World War I (1914-1918) the German economy had switched to supplying its military with the proper equipment needed to fight the war. This included the production of rifles (Gewehr 98), pistols (P08 Luger), machine guns (Maxim machine gun), mortars (Minenwerfer), and several other heavy and light artillery pieces. (Country Profile-Germany (2005)) After world War I, Weimar Republic had some of the most serious economic problems ever experienced by any Western democracy in history. Rampant hyperinflation, massive unemployment and a large drop in living standards were primary factors. In 1923-29 there was a short period of economic recovery, but the Great Depression of the 1930s led to a worldwide recession. Germany was particularly affected because it depended heavily on American loans. The Treaty of Versailles was considered by most Germans to be a punishing and degrading document because it forced them to surrender resource-rich areas and pay massive amounts of compensation. These punitive reparations caused consternation and resentment, although the actual economic damage resulting from the Treaty of Versailles is difficult to determine. (The Third Reich: Consolidation of Power. (2007)) After World War II, the split Germany had two different Regimes operating. The West grew economically better under allied forces. West Germany, soon benefiting from the currency reform of 1948 and the Allied Marshall Plan, saw the fastest period of growth in European history from the early 1950s on. Industrial production increased by 35%. Agricultural production substantially surpassed pre-war levels. West Germany embarked upon an unprecedented two decades of growth that saw standards of living increase dramatically. This period of time became soon known as the "economic miracle" or Wirtschaftswunder, and is strongly associated with then-Minister of Economy Ludwig Erhard. The East Germany, in contrary, suffered huge, economic confusion post war and did not have any remarkable growth. Today, Germany is one of the world's most advanced market economies. It is the world's third largest economy in USD exchange-rate terms, the fifth largest by purchasing power parity (PPP), [2] and the largest economy in Europe. Conclusion: Although the growth of Germany in 21st century is eminent, it has to take care of certain issues to sustain the growth. To overcome the bad days of World War, it must look to that it never involves in such aggression in future. The German backing of US in post September11, 2001 attack of US after the discovery that the terrorist cell which carried out the attacks was based in Hamburg is eminent of this. German Chancellor Dr Angela Merkel also clearly stated her stand against terrorism in her recent leadership of EU. (20th Century Germany and America: An Annotated Timeline. 21 Jan. 2005) Though the education system has shown impressive growth, the children from migrant or working class families are less likely to succeed in school than children from middle or upper class backgrounds. This disadvantage for the financially more challenged part of the population of Germany is bigger than in any other industrialized nation. The Nation has to strive hard to curb this indifference. It must also with continue current syllabuses which put the Nazi Germany as an ugly and an unusual period of nation. As far as economic consideration, the nation's growth has been impressive and it must strive hard to continue with it. References The Causes of World War One(2004). First World war. Retrieved Apr. 09, 2008 from http://www.firstworldwar.com/origins/causes.htm Country Profile-Germany (2005). Germany. Retrieved Apr. 09, 2008 from http://lcweb2.loc.gov/frd/cs/profiles/Germany.pdf The Third Reich: Consolidation of Power. (2007). Germany culture. Retrieved Apr. 09, 2008 from http://www.germanculture.com.ua/library/history/bl_third_reich.htm John Rodden. (2002). Repainting the Little Red Schoolhouse: A History of Eastern German Education. 2002, Oxford University Press, USA. 20th Century Germany and America: An Annotated Timeline. 21 Jan. 2005. Cloudnet. Retrieved Apr. 08, 2008 from www.cloudnet.com/edrbsass/20thcentury.htm Read More