The Influence of the End of WWI on Germany

Friedrich Ebert

“The situation continued to deteriorate, and both social and political conflict grew sharper.” (Schluze 195). This statement by Hagen Schluze epitomizes the sentiment and situation in Germany after World War 1. This war had a horrendous impact of Germany, especially due to the fact that the people of the country had been led to believe that they were succeeding in this conflict much more than they thought.  During the war, Germany was blockaded by the British Navy, depriving the people of basic goods. As Schluze explains, “But the reality of life in Germany was far removed from such flights of fancy (enthusiasm for the war). Food shortages occurred everywhere despite ever stricter rationing and attempts to place production of at least basic commodities under government control” (Schluze 193). The lack of food itself was not the only problem, farmers were short of workers due to their participation in the military, drastically decreasing the work force available to deal with these shortages. By understanding the dire conditions and the reorganization surrounding attempts to resolve these problems before World War I came to a close, one can better understand why Germany changed as it did is a result of this conflict and why they were so shattered after the Treaty of Versailles..
In the fall of 1918, the German lines were annihilated by an Allied attack and after a few weeks, the German army was defeated (Schulze 192-193). As the war ended, much of the blame was put on the political realm for the defeat, rather than on the military, that was in fact drained from this war. To better understand this, let us analyze some of the events of November 1918, when many councils began to take over the cities, paralleling actions in Russia during the communist revolution.  The leading party at in Parliament at this time was the Social Democrat party, led by Friedrich Ebert. This party feared anarchy and aimed to push Germany toward the republic model of government. As Schluze explains, this model did work, as a majority of those elected were under the Social Democratic party or the German Democratic Party. He states, “The first democratically elected national government thus had a broad basis of support…the government faced…urgent tasks…it had to consolidate the power of the new republic against opposition from the left…it succeeded in the first aim with the help of the old regular army and the new volunteer units known as the Freikorps” (Schulze 202). Though this was a successful shift based on the first election, the shock of defeat Ebert’s men a difficult political climate in which to function. 

freikorps

Ebert was not able to control Berlin, with various revolts and violence breaking out between political factions, especially between German Communists and the Freikorps. Germany then moved its capital to the city of Weimar, leading to the naming of Germany of 1919-1933, the Weimar Republic. This shift caused many to doubt the strengths of this government, fleeing when there are problems is not an effective method of maintaining control. Along with the problem of remedying these conflicts, there was a definite loss of men in this war. In a struggle to rebuild an economy, this work force loss affected the industrial base, furthering the plight of this country after the war. As the war approached its end, economic faltering, a prolific loss of men, and a government struggling for control each had profound effects on the country.  As the treaty of Versailles would come to shake up the country more, these issues would typically grow in severity, causing Germans to struggle during this time, trying to regain their strength after a difficult war.

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Essential Elements of Nationhood: Germany's Efforts Surrounding the Revolution of 1848

Freedom is a concept that we as Americans often take for granted; however, in the German nation in 1848, the national assembly finally “convened…to draft and adopt a constitution that would guarantee basic freedoms and…elect a national government” (Schulze, 124). Though this would not be successful due to political turmoil, it points us to an understanding of what is necessary in order to foster the successful formation of a nation. In order to facilitate the growth of the German state, both social and economic liberties needed to be cultivated, and the commencement of this liberal revolution of sorts and the timely “economic boom” allowed this escalation to occur and a basic challenge of the foundation of the German state to be overcome (Schulze, 131).

German National Assembly during the March Government responding to the March Demands

“In state parliaments both the moderate liberals and the radical democrats demanded freedom of the press and of assembly, and the rights to form political parties and bear arms” (Schulze, 123). With these “March demands” in place along with the “March governments” assembling to establish a constitution for the new “liberal and intellectual Germany,” nationalism began to flourish. However, this idealistic view would not instantaneously become a reality. It would be dampened by conflicts regarding what regions would be part of this “new Germany” (Schulze, 120). The delaying of the formation of this “constitutional nation state” created a tenuous situation between the government and the “forces of the liberal bourgeoisie” (Schulze, 127).  Fearing a true revolution, compromise was eventually attained with “written constitutions” becoming a reality and “lawmaking powers” being delegated between leaders and parliaments (Schulze, 129). Over time a constitution would be derived, though not actually put into place. It was a document “informed by the spirit of popular sovereignty and human rights” that would inspire the potential freedoms of a people and encourage their spirit of nationalism and thereby perpetuate growth (Schulze, 128).  Foundations of liberty were put into place during this era, which were essential to the foundations of the German state and the yearnings of the people, for these freedoms are a testament to their identify shift, inspiring individuals to strive for more for themselves and for their country.
In terms of economic growth, as the need “to fear political upheavals. . . in the aftermath of the revolution” subsided, “much group work had been laid for industrial development (Schulze, 130). The people of the German nation began to expand and take advantage of “a golden era for entrepreneurship” (Schulze, 130). Facilitated by the social freedoms demanded and generally established, new banks and factories were opened. One essential task that the banks provided capital for was the creation of railroads, inspired by economist Friedrich List (Schulze, 130). This transportation network was essential to unify “this new and relatively large economic bloc” that the German nation was entering into (Schulze, 130).  “Labor was cheap,” which also spurred this growth, elevating the status of the “preindustrial masses” (Schulze, 131). As Schulze profoundly states, “Industrialization (encouraged by renewed social and literal mobility) transformed German society. The old world disappeared not as a result of a political revolution but through a revolution in the economy and the world of labor” (Schulze, 132). 
However, as social mobility and freedom had the potential to uplift the liberal bourgeoisie, this dramatic shift in industry instilled a feeling of “uprootedness” (Schulze, 134).  As Schulze further describes, “Family ties were broken, traditional loyalties abandoned, religious attachments weakened” (Schulze, 134). This fundamental shaking of society’s orientation caused an “identity crisis,” though growth, philosophy, and liberalism great through adherence secular ideologies, contributing to the rise of the German state (Schulze, 134-135). Starting as a backward country seeking nationhood, Germany needed to promote social and economic growth, especially when considering the thought of Friedrich List, an economist referred to briefly in the text. List believed personal factors, the work of the people, led to growth and that individuals, empowered with freedom, can spur industry. Through their attempts at constitutional reform, including profound suggestions toward liberty, and their industrial successes, albeit leading to identity crisis, were not completely successful, the German nation moved towards unification, surpassing challenges of growth during this tumultuous era.  

First Railroad station in Germany (clearly updated) The Growth of railroads furthered the growth of industry during this time

Martin Luther's religious, cultural and political revolution

Martin Luther

Luther's ninety-five theses

When Martin Luther first posted his ninety-five theses, he no doubt intended to stir up change in Europe’s religious practices and the culture surround them. Though his intent was reform, his actions, instead, triggered the greatest religious, cultural, and political revolutions of the time. In terms of religion, Luther wanted to alter the practices of the Catholic church because he did not approve of their practices, leading to his eventual reputation as an enemy of this religious sect. Standing by his word, Luther received protection from various princes of the German lands. These leaders subscribed to his views because of the restrictions of power Luther believed should be placed on the church, including elimination the power of the church to act as a taxing body. Therefore, Luther’s views had political clout, which led to the starting of Protestantism, rather than his initial intentions of simply reforming the Catholic Church.  This doesn't mean the Catholic Church didn't change at all. In response to the new religion the church had to launch a counter reformation to encourage members to remain in the Catholic Church rather than defecting. Politically, the conversion of various areas of the Holy Roman Empire to Protestantism created conflict within the empire. Culturally, since the Catholic Church controlled a substantial portion of the lives of its members, change in church power had profound effect on culture, especially in the German Lands. 

Luther's German Bible translation

Luther became an important figure to the Germany of this time due to the fact that his actions both united and divided the country and its people. The division of the land into protestant and catholic territories created a great deal of conflict. However, the translation of the Bible into German established a common language and text for individuals to connect with each other. This gives the area a cultural identity due to a subscription and understanding of one piece of literature.  Martin Luther’s contributions during the reformation and the profound impact that he had on Europe can be explicitly seen within the German lands and I look forward to learning more about this time period on our trip this winter. 

Thirty Years War

Depiction of Defenestration of Prague - Key event in triggering the war

The Thirty Year’s War was important in European history for many reasons. It was the first time that a country (France) had entered a war in opposition to their religious loyalties. However, for the German Lands of this era, the conflict to restore political order fractured the country, reducing it into territories that retained little power, which were ruled by princes hailing from various bodies within the Holy Roman Empire. The result of this war, along with various other events in later German history, has had a profound effect on the preservation of national identity within this country today. After the war, efforts to maintain the lack of power in this area commenced, preventing the German lands from solidifying into a cohesive nation. The purpose of this endeavor was to keep the “powerful nations on the periphery” such as Great Britain, France, and Sweden, at bay (Schluze 65). As Hagen Schluze explains, “If hostilities broke out, this central region would serve as their theater or war; in peacetime, it would offer strategic and diplomatic maneuvering room. “ (65) The German lands served as a buffer zone, rather than a unified realm, stunting the potential growth of a united country, along with the potential formation of a united culture.  People of this territory, therefore, felt more loyalty to their princes and the culture subscribed to in their specific area rather than focusing on cultivating a more nationalistic pride. Various periods of extreme turmoil, such as the Thirty Year’s War, prevented the culture and country of the German lands from fully unifying, thwarting the formation of a single German country for a substantial period of time.  This, along with various historical events including the divisions created by World War II, have fractured German culture, contributing to the lack of unity and resulting in a weaker, distinct, national identity as evidenced in Germany today.

Political boundaries after war

Why Germany?

Brandenburg Gate

 During my high school experience, I had the chance to take an advanced placement course discussing European history. This was my first exposure to the rich history that Germany had to offer and one of the reasons why I chose to study in Berlin this December. After attending the information sessions regarding this trip, I was excited to find out about the duration of the experience and enticed by the potential of a language barrier, something that I have never experienced before and view as an opportunity to eliminate any unknown cultural biases that I might possess. By spending more time abroad and by enduring the academic and cultural challenges presented by Professor Wolf, I feel that this trip will have a profound impact on my worldview, especially considering that this will be my first extended trip outside of the United States. In the past few months, I have heard such positive remarks from my friends who have studied abroad, including optimistic reflections on the struggles that they have had, and am looking forward to engaging in an experience similar to theirs, though on a smaller scale. I believe this will facilitate an opportunity for me to learn more about how another group of people lives currently but also how they lived, exploring the wealth of history, culture, and knowledge that Germany possesses.

Berlin Cathedral

As an individual intending on pursuing graduate study and even graduate work abroad, this trip will provide me with a lens in which to speculate what a longer period abroad could be. I am looking forward to living in a new place for a short period of time, learning the culture of that place, and engaging in an academic endeavor, simulating my potential participation in a future program of a more profound length. Additionally, I am able to partake in various scholastic activities in a different cultural environment, as well as within a distinctive learning community. This D-term experience will allow me to closely interact with the leaders of the course as well as the other students on the trip. I firmly believe that there is much you can learn from others; therefore, participating in a small learning community in a foreign country aligns with my goals of academic success and the pursuit of various learning experiences, especially those in a new culture.

About Me

Hello Everyone, My name is Kelvin Guilbault, and I will be a senior at North Central College next year during our trip to Germany. I am a double major in mathematics and computer science here at the college. I am really looking forward to the opportunity to experience a culture other than my own. I haven't done any international traveling aside from a few visits to Canada, so this will be a great new experience for me.

Aside from writing this blog, you may also see me drawing comics about my experiences abroad. I like to make these as a sort of pictorial journal of my life.

I decided to take the trip to Germany for a few reasons. First, I believe that the culture will be interesting to experience. When I'm not at school, I live in Milwaukee, which has a thriving German culture. It will be interesting for me to see what is similar and what is different between Germany and my home city. Besides that, I want to be able to experience living abroad to the fullest extent possible with my D-term experience. Between Germany being the longest of the trips offered, and Professor Wolf's drive to push us beyond our comfort level while we're there, I think that this trip, above all others will let me do just that.