Founding of Germany

One issue Germany faced in its history was an economic bloc due to its poor system of transporting goods. In order to address this issue economist Friedrich List and other industrialists initiated the first German railway line which opened on December 7, 1835 (130). The new railway was a revolutionary accomplishment since for years the country faced opposition to technology. The track went from Nuremberg to Furth but grew rapidly over time.

map of Holy Roman Empire

I found the development of the railroads in Germany compelling because its what allowed the Customs Union to become a single market and leveled the economic playing field for Germany against outside competition. The importance of this major development in Germany’s infrastructure is evident because Germany experienced a major boom in its iron-processing industry thereafter. There was a great demand for cars, machines and railroad cars. Therfore, factory outputs increased along with production across Germany. The new transpotation created the foundation for the industrial development in 1848.

A golden era for entrepreneurship also evolved out of this industrial revolution Banks sprang up everywhere due to need for revenue to support the railroad construction. There was also the founding of stock companies and the amount of revenue in the German Customs Union increased at an unprecedented rate.

Martin Luther

Pictures: upper left(Luther in 1533), right("Luther Before the Diet of Worms") Bottom(Door of All Saints' Church in Wittenberg)

Martin Luther, both a priest and theology professor, was an important figure in German history. Martin Luther was a rebellious type of person who went against the current norms of society. He believed that one could escape punishment for sins by paying for them with money. He believed salvation was not acquired through good deeds, but rather was a gift from God due to faith in Jesus Christ. His ideas demonized the authority of the Roman Catholic Church’s Pope who taught the bible was the only source of divine knowledge. Luther resisted the church during a time period when churches had power over the secular leaders. The video mentions, Luther’s main goal was to decentralize the power found in the Catholic Church to allow for the people to have more of a voice in the religious realm of their state. Luther noted the bible discussed only had two sacraments. He brought the forefront how the amount of power held by religious authority was unnecessary. Luther realized the Catholic Church divided people from the words of God. Luther was important because he had taken the steps to bring Germans a voice in their country. He was the first to translate the bible into German, which allowed the people of Germany to gain some religious power. Luther’s translation of the Bible made it more accessible to the local people of Germany. causing a major impact on the church and German culture. This translation brought about a standard version of the German language. Roman priests had once ruled that the bible was only to be read by priests. The priests were believed to have the right to interpret God’s words, unlike any of the other commoners in Germany at the time. Luther fought against this notion leading to the Protestant reformation.

Lost Text of Tacitus’ Germania

Poggio Bracciolini, found the lost text of Tacitus’ Germania. The past idea that the aboriginals of Europe were originally from “legendary forebears”(p.46) sent scholars on a search to find proof to support this idea through classical Greek and Latin sources. Studies were conducted by humanist scholars in order to support the identity of each nation through classical period. States worked to gain a national identity and Germania helped Germany earn a place as its own separate people from other nations. Germania showed Germans were important and interesting even in ancient times.

I found this work of literature to be of importance because it laid the foundation for the national identity of Germans. Before the Germania manuscript was discovered, Germany was not recognized as its own nation with a distinct people. The term “German” was used to depict various dialects. With Tacistus’ Germania, Germany could be recognized as having important ancestors worthy of recognition. This would be Germany’s defense against offensive portrayals of their countrymen. Rather than being termed “alcohol sodden barbarians” Germans had a much more positive label of being the Germani.

The fact that Germans are concerned with having a distinct national identity tells something about the country’s people. Clearly, Germans want to separate themselves from other cultures. It demonstrates the importance of ethnography through classical literature.

Celts and barbarians Book: Germania by: Tacitus

Why Study in Germany

One of the most magnificent countries in the world with an incredible history, Germany, is an absolute must-see destination in the world. The country also has created some of the world’s greatest innovations such as the printing press, bike, and x-ray. It has one of the world’s top car-making industries as well. Germany has the world’s third largest economy and a history of intelligent leaders who have helped the country reach its superior status today.

I have chosen to study in Germany because of its interesting history, people, and culture. I believe there is no better way to understand a country and its people than to immerse oneself in the environment of that particular country. Studying abroad in Germany will expose me to a new group of people and will offer an opportunity to learn how the lives of Germans are different from how Americans live in the United States. I find it interesting to make comparisons of how another country’s people go about their lives and to discover new ways of thinking through conversing with locals. Traveling to Germany will allow for this kind of contact with the locals, which will allow me to gain better insight into German perspectives on the world. I believe hearing others perspectives on the world, especially outside the U.S., helps people expand their viewpoints. I will also benefit from seeing the important buildings and exquisite architecture of Germany. The historical background of these buildings will be interesting to learn about because they are tied to the history of Germany. Seeing these important landmarks and buildings in Germany will make the history of Germany come alive.

While in Germany, I am looking forward to a first-hand experience of the German culture. I want to experience and learn about some of the cathedrals, castles, and significance of other important buildings. At the same time, I hope to learn something about the local people such as what they do for fun, their opinions on important issues (economics, government, & world issues), the food, music, and other aspects of the German culture. I also look forward to tie what we are learning in the class to what is experienced while in Germany.

Studying in Germany will allow for the experience of German culture and its history. Traveling to Germany will enhance my academic experience because I will have first-hand experience of being immersed in another culture. I believe this trip to be beneficial for my area of study in International studies. It will give me the opportunity to gain a global understanding of the world. Overall, I believe as the world is becoming more interconnected with globalization, having the experience of being in another country is essential to understand how the world operates. Germany is a great country to learn about since it has become such a significant leading power in the world and is a country I have always been eager to learn more about.