The Self-Image of Germany

    Germany and German citizens went through a full gamut of changes in a relatively short period of time.  The citizens of the land were impacted by these events and tended to be hesitant in accepting more change, but still seemed to do so.  As the rise and fall of Hitler is historic across the world, it drastically impacted the German citizens.  The immediate effects of Hitler’s regime instilled political unrest, a desire to belong, and the way Germans view themselves and the world. 

How can we discuss Germany's self-image and historical changes without discussing the rise and fall of Hitler?

    After the fall of Hitler, the Germans had to re-build every aspect of their society.  This included making changes to their past governmental system, but still renewing old leadership.  The Germans re-built their leadership system quickly, and brought back old powers to re-start the economy and political system (Schulze 290).  Though, there was a significant gap in the beliefs of the Soviet Union land which was partitioned into four areas.  The unification of some of these portions of land would inevitably widen the gap between the German split, but was deemed necessary by the United States in order to properly send necessary goods for survival (Schulze 293-294).  Little did the Germans know that this pressure from the US would result in a beneficial ally for the future.  Germany was split due to the conflict associated with all of the rapid changes in leadership and government.  Germans did not want more conflict after the trauma that had just taken place from their leader, therefore seeking independence and an ability to live separately, but peacefully for the citizens in that area.  In hopes of settling conflict, the allies, including the United States, worked to instill democracy.  The push for unification caused more unrest in the German citizens. 

Hindenburg

    The desire to belong roots from the rise of Hitler and the events that occurred after.  Further, Hitler’s pressure to take control caused more hesitation than excitement in the previous leaders of Germany.  Initially, President Hindenburg, the predecessor of Hitler, was not intent on naming Hitler to be the chancellor of Germany (Schulze 242).  Hitler appealed to the President by agreeing to take on a pre-determined set of advisors that would seemingly balance Hitler’s opinions.  Hindenburg found comfort knowing that Hitler approached the chancellor title differently than other candidates, agreeing to maintain a conservative parliament surrounding him (Schulze 243).  Hindenburg avoided giving power to Hitler for as long as he could justify, but eventually granted chancellorship (Schulze 243).  Soon after, Hindenburg would realize the trouble that Germany was facing under new leadership.  As it is commonly known, Hitler led the Nazi party which sought to define one superior race.  With great pressure, the world was turned upside down and a significant amount of loss occurred.  A man who was to lead the country and be trusted by citizens was instead feared.  The shame that many Germans felt.

The mass destruction after the fall of the Berlin Wall. 

    Clearly, with the events and terror that took place under Hitler’s leadership, there is reason for citizens to be hesitant to trust former enemies.  After witnessing genocide, several changes in power, and the division of a land known as home, and for many: displacement, citizens were wise to be weary.  Further, after losing trust in leadership, many Germans felt the need to be independent of the embarrassing actions that took place as a result of the Nazi power.  With a historical political unrest, the citizens divided and simply wanted to survive through to the next days (Schulze 287).  The future was uncertain, and the desire for independence from the Nazi regime was initiated by a desire to feel control for their own selves.  Looking to move forward from the past has caused Germans to be aware of their own actions, which has resulted in a modest self-image.

    After discussing these issues with a friend who immigrated from Germany about eight years ago at the age of 14, I was better able to understand the feelings of the Germans.  He believes that Germany has definitely been cautious to trust other countries, but feels closely attached to the United States, France, and Poland even though they are former enemies.  These countries accepted Germany as an important ally and have given Germany a connection and feeling of safety.  Also, the Germans have worked to create a more unified Europe.  In regards to avoiding conflict, he says that Germans are most adamant to avoid armed conflict.  Most importantly, the Germans see patriotism as a negative action.  It is believe that patriotic people are “mad” because of the influence patriotism had on the Nazi party.  I feel as though my conversation with my friend clarified many of the historical events, especially because he learned about them from the US and Germany educational perspectives.

Michael, Myself, and Jan.  Jan moved here from Germany when he was 14.  We have been friends since my freshman year of high school, so, about 7 years.  Jan is super tall (6'7?), so every picture we took in high school looked like this.  He's also an incredible soccer player.

The Germans prefer to handle disputes civilly, rather than with weapons.

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