The German reunification is a unique event in world history and heralded the downfall
of the entire Communist Bloc. Understanding what happened in the unification’s aftermath is
vital in order to develop future policies for Germany and Europe. This paper pinpoints and
explains problems that result from the unification and prevent Germany from becoming a
truly united nation. Current events like the IG-Metall strike of 2003 help to illustrate the
immediate effects these problems have on German society. However, these political and
economic issues are outweighed by a more profound problem, the unwillingness of both Eastand
West-Germans to search for compromises, for a mutual way into the future. Until this
situation changes, Germany will continue to experience difficulties with completing the
process of unification which might easier and faster be solved hand in hand. Either way, the
process will take much longer than most people have initially expected.
Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)
- Abstract
- Introduction
- The separated Germany: 1949-1989
- 1989-1990
- Germany after 1990:
- Political Developments
- The federal system
- The problem of right-wing extremism
- The challenge
- Economic Developments
- Why the economy is in bad shape
- The economic trap
- The role of the economy
- Cultural Developments
- One nation, two cultures
- The "Ostalgie-Welle"
- The cultural divide
- Political Developments
- Conclusion
Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)
This research paper analyzes the German reunification process and its aftermath, examining whether Germany has achieved true unity thirteen years post-unification. It explores the historical context of the divided German states, focusing on political, economic, and cultural developments. The paper uses current events, such as the 2003 IG-Metall strike, to illustrate the ongoing challenges.
- The lasting effects of the division of Germany on its reunification.
- The political and economic challenges faced by post-reunification Germany.
- The evolution of cultural differences between East and West Germany.
- The role of compromise in achieving national unity.
- The impact of historical context on current challenges.
Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)
The separated Germany: 1949-1989: This chapter details the establishment and development of the two German states following World War II. It contrasts the differing political and cultural systems of the Federal Republic of Germany (FRG) and the German Democratic Republic (GDR), highlighting the FRG's constitutional commitment to reunification and the GDR's rejection of it. The chapter covers the construction of the Berlin Wall in 1961 and the subsequent development of two distinct cultures, emphasizing the strained relationship between the two states despite attempts at normalization through the 1972 Grundlagenvertrag. The chapter establishes a critical foundation for understanding the complexities of the later reunification.
1989-1990: This chapter focuses on the events leading up to and including German reunification. It describes the growing unrest and dissent within the GDR, fueled by economic hardship and political repression. The chapter covers the mass exodus of East Germans, the Leipzig Monday demonstrations, and the eventual fall of the Berlin Wall on November 9, 1989, emphasizing the unintended consequences of the East German government's attempt to control the situation through the new Reisegesetz. The chapter also covers Helmut Kohl's ten-point plan and the ultimate dissolution of the GDR into the FRG in October 1990, highlighting the role of external factors, including the Soviet Union's position.
Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)
German reunification, East Germany, West Germany, political development, economic development, cultural development, Ostalgie, right-wing extremism, IG-Metall strike, national unity, compromise, historical context, Berlin Wall.
Frequently Asked Questions: A Comprehensive Language Preview of German Reunification
What is the purpose of this document?
This document provides a comprehensive preview of a research paper analyzing the German reunification process and its aftermath. It includes the table of contents, objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and keywords.
What topics are covered in the research paper?
The research paper analyzes the German reunification process, focusing on political, economic, and cultural developments before, during, and after reunification. It examines the lasting effects of the division, the challenges faced by post-reunification Germany, the evolution of cultural differences between East and West, the role of compromise in achieving unity, and the impact of historical context on current challenges.
What is covered in the "The separated Germany: 1949-1989" chapter?
This chapter details the establishment and development of East and West Germany after World War II, contrasting their political and cultural systems. It highlights the construction of the Berlin Wall and the development of distinct cultures, emphasizing the strained relationship despite attempts at normalization. The chapter lays the groundwork for understanding the complexities of reunification.
What does the "1989-1990" chapter discuss?
This chapter focuses on the events leading to German reunification, including growing unrest in East Germany, the mass exodus of East Germans, the Leipzig Monday demonstrations, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. It covers Helmut Kohl's ten-point plan and the GDR's dissolution into the FRG, highlighting the role of external factors such as the Soviet Union's position.
What are the key themes explored in the paper?
Key themes include the lasting effects of division on reunification, political and economic challenges faced by post-reunification Germany, the evolution of cultural differences between East and West Germany, the role of compromise in achieving national unity, and the impact of historical context on current challenges.
What are some examples of the challenges faced by post-reunification Germany?
The paper uses current events, such as the 2003 IG-Metall strike, to illustrate ongoing challenges. Specific challenges explored include the federal system, the problem of right-wing extremism, and economic difficulties (e.g., "Why the economy is in bad shape," "The economic trap"). Cultural challenges like the "Ostalgie-Welle" (a wave of nostalgia for East Germany) and the persistent cultural divide are also discussed.
What are the keywords associated with this research paper?
Keywords include German reunification, East Germany, West Germany, political development, economic development, cultural development, Ostalgie, right-wing extremism, IG-Metall strike, national unity, compromise, historical context, and Berlin Wall.
What is the overall argument or conclusion of the paper (as previewed)?
The paper aims to analyze whether Germany has achieved true unity thirteen years post-unification, considering the political, economic, and cultural developments in the aftermath of reunification.
What is the structure of the document's preview?
The preview includes a table of contents, a statement of objectives and key themes, chapter summaries, and a list of keywords. This allows for a comprehensive understanding of the research paper's scope and content.
- Quote paper
- David Federhen (Author), 2003, Germany - a truly united country?, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/26768
