Essay On German Nationalism

- German nationalism was divided at the end of the Second World War as a result of the division of areas to be administrated and controlled by the British, French, Americans and Soviets. As a result of ideologies of the controlling countries, naturally the three areas controlled by Western Democracies would grow closer due to a shared ideological methodology. This further divided German nationalism as it created a pro-democratic Western Germany, and a Soviet controlled Communist Eastern Germany. This mentality manifested itself into a western vs eastern nationalism, which was the reason for the Cold War between the West allies and the Communist bloc.

- Interpretation of the George Friedman quotation: In the immediate years following the Second

This promotes an ‘us’ versus ‘them’ mentality, which is amplified in European affairs as the various countries have had such strenuous relationships in the past (due to war’s/betrayals in the past[these countries have been around for a long time])

- Nationalism is perhaps derived in part from biological racism, which is using science (specifically biology) to support or justify beliefs in racism, racial inferiority, racial superiority, or the classifying of individuals into races. Nationalism doesn’t necessarily divide individuals based on race, but divides by nationality (what nation you are from/live in)

- Institutions or the historical methodological approach of institutionalism, has value when applied to nationalism. Institutions themselves naturally promote a national identity that people identify

The pro-democratic countries didn’t want to dominate Germany, they want to de-Nazifily the institutions and ideologies of the people, instill western principles and then allow Germany to govern itself again. Soon realizing that deNazification was a near impossible task, they gradually lessened control and gave it to the government of Germany to preside over. However the USSR didn’t attempt to lessen control of the Eastern part of Germany they controlled, the dominated all aspects of life. The Government had no real authority, only taking directives from Moscow. They forced communism onto the German population, giving no choice to the Germans. They had stiff laws to limit any German that might resist. Therefore in communist controlled East Germany the Nationalism that formed was vastly different from the Western nationalism. In Eastern Germany, they had a virtually non existent national identity, they were subjugated and every aspect of their lives were controlled. They had a very defeated national outlook, as the Russians blamed them and they would be forced to accept the blame. IN West Germany a limited nationalism was allowed to prosper, the German people were allowed to identify with their cultures and practices, as these aspects weren’t removed by the